Non-commission pai gow poker games, devices, systems and methods thereof

ABSTRACT

Methods of playing commission-free pai gow poker games are disclosed. The commission-free pai gow poker games have multiple features, including a novel push mechanism and a novel copy-fostering mechanism, that provide a gaming establishment with an adequate house edge without the need to charge a commission on player wins. The features of the commission-free pai gow poker games may be incorporated in one or more instruction sets or software configured in one or more mechanical devices and/or electronic devices. Furthermore, the features may be configured in one or more displays in communication with one or more servers as desired. Furthermore, the commission-free pai gow poker games may be offered in a non-gaming media environment as desired.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application Claims the Priority Date of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/137,597, filed Aug. 1, 2008, entitled “Advantage PaiCow Poker, Commission-Free Pai Gow Poker for Casino House Use” and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/200,126, filed Nov. 25, 2008,entitled “Tao Pai Gow Poker, Commission-Free Pai Gow Poker for CasinoHouse Use” with the same inventor being named.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to games and gaming devices, and morespecifically, to improved pai gow poker games, devices and systems withpreselected or commission-free structures for one or more gamingestablishments to provide improved earnings and speed of play of thegames while enhancing players' entertainment experience.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pai gow is an Asian game based on the use of tiles arranged by eachplayer into a two-tile high side and a two-tile low side, looking forhigher ranking on each side of the two sides. The two-sided handconfiguration has since been adapted to poker to create the game of paigow poker.

Pai gow poker uses a 53-card deck consisting of a standard 52-card deckplus a joker. The joker card used in standard pai gow poker is a “bug”card, as opposed to a wild card, meaning that it can only act as afill-in card to complete a straight, a flush or a straight flush, orotherwise acts as the fifth ace when not used in a straight, a flush ora straight flush. However, in some localities, such as SouthernCalifornia, a version of pal gow poker using a completely wild jokercard is prevalent.

Players are dealt a seven-card hand that they arrange into a “short”side comprising two playing cards and a “long” side comprising fiveplaying cards. The rules of standard poker define the ranking of hands.In yet another rule, the long side must have a higher poker ranking thanthe short side. If a player disobeys this rule, the player's hand isconsidered to be a foul, leading to the forfeiture of any wager.Typically, a gaming establishment has a set of rules mandating how itsdealers must arrange their pai gow poker hands, known as the “houseway.”

The player's hand faces the dealer's hand. Where the players elect tobank against one another and, thus, finance the action against oneanother, the player's hand faces the banker's hand. In order to win, aplayer must have a short side and a long side that both beat the rankingof the banker's short side and long side (for purposes of simplicity,the discussion mostly assumes the banker is a dealer acting on behalf ofa gaming establishment, also referred to here as the “house”). If theranking of one of the player's two sides is identical to the ranking ofthe banker's corresponding side, an occurrence known as a “copy,” thehouse wins if the other side of the house's hand has a higher rankingthan that of the player's corresponding side. If the player has just oneside of higher ranking than the banker's corresponding side, anoccurrence known as a “push,” then neither the house nor the player win.

When played as per the rules described above, pai gow poker is close tobeing a 50/50 game of chance. For this reason, casinos must charge acommission, generally 5%, against player wins in order to create a houseedge covering their costs of operation (where a player is the banker, a5% commission is generally charged against all player net winnings). Theneed to charge a commission in order to have an adequate house edge isnaturally a drawback to the game of pai gow poker. It makes the gameappear more overtly unfavorable to players, resulting in playerdissatisfaction and avoidance of the game by potential players.Moreover, the time lost in calculating commissions is taken away fromplay, resulting in loss of revenue to casinos who, in principle,experience increased revenue from increased play. Also, the need fordealers to stop play in order to calculate commissions distracts them,resulting in increased dealer errors during play, thus reducing casinoyields. Finally, the need to calculate commissions inevitably results indealer miscalculations. To the extent such dealer miscalculations are infavor of players, the house loses revenue directly. To the extent suchdealer miscalculations are in favor of the house, they risk provokingplayer dissatisfaction and mistrust. The prior art fails to disclose apai gow poker game overcoming the need for a gaming establishment tocharge the standard house commission on player winnings that pays evenmoney on player wins.

Another problem endemic to pai gow poker is the relatively slow pace ofthe game. Since many pai gow poker hands are pushes where neither sidewins, it will be appreciated that a pai gow poker game may go on for along time without any exchange of money (action) occurring. From agaming establishment's standpoint, such time equates to lost revenue,and it would be generally desirable to increase the speed of play.

In view of the foregoing, some gaming establishments offer altered paigow games with altered proposition bets designed to boost casinoearnings. The following disclosures comprise some of these pai gow pokergame variations.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,424 to Evers et al. discloses a pai gow poker gamemethod and device (machine version). Though Evers et al. alter standardpai gow poker rules to make the game more stimulating for players, forexample, by providing increased jackpots, they do not improve the gameby eliminating the standard house commission on player winnings.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,453 to Srichayaporn discloses a method and apparatusfor playing a high/low poker game in certain gaming jurisdictions, suchas tribal reservations, where “dealer bank” games are not allowed.Srichayaporn seeks to overcome this problem, but does not disclose amethod of play directed to enabling the elimination of standard housecommissions on player winnings.

Leone et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,270,078 B1, disclose a method for playingan improved version of pai gow poker which alters the rules by allowinga player to play against the house even when another player is acting asthe banker. Leone et al. do nothing, however, to enable the eliminationof the standard house commission on player winning s.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,491,302 B1 to Boylan et al. discloses a modified pai gowpoker game using tie-breaker cards to overcome pushes. However, Boylanet al. do nothing to enable the elimination of the standard housecommission on player winnings.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,631,906 B1 to Timpano discloses a supplemental wager paigow poker game that extends wagers to each of the short and long sidesof players' hands, but fails to enable the elimination of the standardhouse commission on player winnings.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,289 B1 to Feola discloses a pai gow poker game ofchance using a random number generator to determine who receives thefirst hand of a game, and offering a side bet (proposition bet)regarding who gets that first hand. U.S. Pat. No. 6,793,220 B1 to Feoladiscloses a pai gow poker game of chance with bonuses (differentproposition bets) on partial hands. Both of these patents to Feola seekto increase interest in pai gow poker play, but neither inventionenables the elimination of the standard house commission on playerwinnings.

U.S. Patent Application Publication 2008/0099996 to Webb claims toprovide for a version of “no commission” pai gow poker. However, inreality, Webb utilizes a commission structure by altering payouts toless than even money to take the place of a formal commission charge.This approach to “elimination” of the standard house commission onplayer winnings is entirely dissimilar to the approach of the instantdisclosure, which relies on a push mechanism as explained in detailbelow.

It can thus be seen that there is a need for an improved pai gow pokergame enabling gaming establishments to eliminate the standard housecommission on player winnings while maintaining their house edge, alongwith methods of play, tangible aids to foster efficient and enjoyableplay of the game, and embodiments in gaming machines, play over computernetworks and tournament play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The current disclosure provides an improved, non-commission pai gowpoker game (the “Game”) that effectively enables a gaming establishmentto overcome the need to charge the standard house commission on playerwinnings in order to maintain an acceptable house edge. As shown indetail below, this is accomplished by altering the rules of traditionalpai gow poker to convert specified hand combinations that wouldotherwise be treated as player wins, and treating them instead aspushes. The push mechanism may be set at different levels (i.e.,constraint conditions/rule changes) providing different improvements inthe house edge, and may be combined with a mathematically-provenapproach to superior house ways to increase the number of copies inuringto the benefit of the house. The invention accomplishes the eliminationof the need to charge a standard house commission in a manner that isminimally intrusive to play and player expectations, because the rulechanges used to effect the push mechanism were carefully selected by theinventor based on their statistical rarity, yet adequacy to maintain thehouse edge in a non-commission environment. In all cases, the Game payseven money (i.e., the full amount wagered) on player winnings. This isin contrast, for example, to the Webb disclosure cited above. Theinvention further accomplishes its purpose by increasing the speed ofplay, since the pushes fostered by the recommended rule changes come inlieu of win/lose rounds of play that simply cancel each other out, butwhich must be accounted by the dealer.

The current disclosure provides for the Game in formats suitable forplay both in gaming jurisdictions where the standard bug joker is used,as well as where the fully wild joker is used; where a player is thebanker; where the Game is offered in a machine embodiment; where theGame is offered over a computer network; and where the Game is offeredfor tournament play. The current disclosure further provides forinstructional aids, and for a mechanical wheel device enabling dealersto more effectively and efficiently implement the methods of the Game orother playing card-based casino table games during live play.

The foregoing and other articles, features and advantages of theinvention will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptionof the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in theaccompanying drawings. The various features may be utilized or claimedalone or in any combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts a portion of a flow diagram indicating steps in themethod of the Game as embodied in an exemplary house rule set.

FIG. 1B depicts another portion of the flow diagram of FIG. 1Aindicating steps in the method of the Game as embodied in an exemplaryhouse rule set.

FIGS. 2-8 depict yet other portions of the flow diagrams indicatingsteps in the method of the Game as embodied in an exemplary house ruleset.

FIG. 9A is a top plan view of a table layout for an embodiment of theGame.

FIG. 9B is a top plan view of a table layout for another embodiment ofthe Game showing proposition bets such as bonus bets and protectionbets.

FIG. 9C is an exploded top plan view showing a region of a playerlocation of FIG. 9A or FIG. 9B with a pair of playing cards located in aportion of the region depicted as “Short” and with five playing cardslocated in a portion of the region depicted as “Long.”

FIG. 9D depicts aspects of the Game of either FIG. 9A or 9B configuredto communicate with a server system coupled to various elements of thegaming table.

FIG. 9E depicts a schematic view showing a portion of the server systemconfigured to verify which playing cards have been dealt from ashuffling device as shown in FIG. 9D daring play of the Game of eitherFIG. 9A or 9B.

FIG. 10 is an exploded front perspective view of a mechanical deviceconfigured to implement an exemplary house way set for the Game.

FIG. 10A is a side elevation view of the mechanical device of FIG. 10according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a side elevation view of the mechanical device of FIG. 10according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10C is a front elevation view of a first side of an overlay memberof the mechanical device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 10D is a front elevation view of a first side of a second overlaymember of the mechanical device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 10E is a front elevation view of a first side of a playing cardarrangement member of the mechanical device of FIG. 10 wherein the firstside of the playing card arrangement member is configured beneath a backside of the first overlay member of FIG. 10C of the mechanical device ofFIG. 10.

FIG. 10F is a front elevation view of a second side of a playing cardarrangement member of the mechanical device of FIG. 10 wherein thesecond side of the playing card arrangement member is configured beneatha back side of the second overlay member of FIG. 10D of the mechanicaldevice of FIG. 10.

FIG. 10G is a front elevation view of a display device configured toshow the first overlay of FIG. 10C with the first side of the playingcard arrangement member of FIG. 10E and the second overlay of FIG. 10Dwith the second side of the playing card arrangement member of FIG. 10F.

FIG. 10H is a front elevation view of a display device configured toshow an indexed page of a House Way playing card arrangement on aportion of the display which is substantially similar to one alignedsection of the mechanical device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 depicts a front perspective view of a gaming machine configuredto play the Game according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11A depicts a schematic diagram of the gaming machine of FIG. 11configured with a version of the Game.

FIG. 12A depicts a network system of gaming tables having a version ofthe Game configured for tournament play according to another embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 12B depicts a schematic diagram for playing one or more versions ofthe Games remotely within a gaming establishment according to anotherembodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough description of the present invention.It will, be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

In the Summary above, the Description of the Invention, and the Claimsand Abstract below, reference may be made to particular features(including method steps) of the invention. It is to be understood thatthis disclosure includes possible combinations of such particularfeatures. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in thecontext of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or aparticular claim, that feature may also be used, to the extent possible,in combination with and/or in the context of other particular aspectsand embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used hereinto mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionallypresent. For example, an article “comprising” (or “which comprises”)components A, B and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A,B and C, or can contain not only components A, B and C, but also one ormore other components. Where reference is made herein to a methodcomprising two or more defined steps, the defined steps can be carriedout in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludesthat possibility), and the method can include one or more other stepswhich are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two ofthe defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where thecontext excludes that possibility).

The term “at least” followed by a number or the indefinite article “a”(meaning “one”) is used herein to denote the start of a range beginningwith that number (which may be a range having an upper limit or no upperlimit, depending on the variable being defined). For example “at leastone” or “at least a” means 1 or more than 1. The term “at most” followedby a number is used herein to denote the end of a range ending with thatnumber (which may be a range having 1 or 0 as its lower limit or a rangehaving no lower limit, depending upon the variable being defined). Forexample, “at most 4” means 4 or fewer than 4, and “at most 40%” means40% or less than 40%. If, in this disclosure, a range is given as “(afirst number) to (a second number)” or “(a first number)−(a secondnumber),” this means a range whose lower limit is the first number andwhose upper limit is the second number. For example, 0-10 mm means arange whose lower limit is 0 mm, and whose upper limit is 10 mm.

The term “at least” as denoted herein means one or more, while the terma “plurality” means two or more.

The term “or” is used herein as a conjunction used to link alternativesin a series of alternatives. The term “and/or” is used herein as aconjunction meaning that either or both of two options may be valid.

The term “and” is used herein as a conjunction to indicate an additionalthing situation or fact.

When used in the appended claims, the term “comprising at least one of Aand B” as used herein (depending on the context of the specification)may mean: comprising either one of A or of B (and more), or comprisingboth of A and of B (and more). As is understood in the patent art,“comprising A” means “A and more,” while “comprising B” means “B andmore.” Thus if A is excluded according to the context of thespecification in the phrase “comprising at least one of A and B,” then Acannot be part of the “and more” and similarly for B if B is excludedaccording to the context of the specification.

TECHNICAL TERMINOLOGY

The following technical terms which are commonly understood by a personskilled in the art may be used in this disclosure regarding pai gowpoker:

Designations of Playing Cards:

In the context of the current disclosure, when used to describe aplaying card's rank without regard to the suit of the playing card,A=ace, K=king, Q=queen, J=Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2=the numbercard indicated by the number, and x=a low value card whose rank isimmaterial to the hand illustrated. Further, a joker playing card may bedesignated using the symbol * as a wild card within the game'sestablished usage for that wild card. As explained above, pai gow pokermay be played with the wild card acting as a bug card or, alternatively,as a completely wild card. The wild card may have a value designated bya player receiving the wild card within the constraints of applicableplaying conventions.

Ranking Order of Pai Gow Poker Hands:

The following lists the ranking order of five-card long sides, fromhighest to lowest, generally used by casinos in the United States:

-   -   1. Five aces (including the joker)    -   2. Royal flush    -   3. Straight flush    -   4. Four-of-a-kind    -   5. Full house    -   6. Flush    -   7. Straight (note: the highest straight is A, K, Q, J, 10; in        pai gow poker, the second highest straight is A, 2, 3, 4, 1        (which is also the second highest straight flush if suit ranks        are considered, with spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs being        the highest to lowest suit ranks))    -   8. Three-of-a-kind    -   9. Two pairs    -   10. One pair    -   11. High card (called a “pai gow hand”)

It is understood that when the designation given above indicates“three-of-a-kind,” then the remaining cards may also make up high cards(called “kicker cards”) that are not part of the three-of-a-kind. It maythus be seen that there are multiple ways to arrange the playing cardson the long side of a pai gow poker hand according to the ranking listabove (see also “Designation of Playing Cards” above regarding use of ajoker).

When the long side of the pai gow poker hand comprises fewer than fiveplaying cards, certain of the designated poker elements may be reducedto a lower set of cards. Thus, in a four-card long side, four aces mayhave the highest ranking followed by a royal flush (A, K, Q, J of samesuit), and there may be no full house, and so on. In a three-card longhand, a straight flush or a royal flush (A, K, Q of same suit) may havethe highest ranking, and there may be no full house, no two-pair hands,and so on. As understood in the art, any pai gow poker hand devoid ofthe designations 1 to 11 listed above would be considered to have nopoker elements.

Main Bet, or the Bet on the Hand:

The main wager on the play of the hand against the dealer or banker.

Proposition Bet:

Any side bet included in the game apart from the main bet. Propositionbets include bonus bets, insurance/protection bets and dealer push(“dragon”) bets.

Bonus Bet:

A separate bet that the hand dealt will contain a poker element ofthree-of-a-kind or stronger. Typically, a bonus bet may pay off atvarious rates, depending on the strength of the poker element, generally2:1 for a straight, up to 5000:1 for a natural seven-card straightflush. For example, currently, the bonus bet amount in a USA-basedgaming establishment may range from $1 to $25, although it would beunderstood that this could be varied.

Insurance Bet or Protection Bet:

A bet that the player will receive a dealt hand that has no pokerelements in it aside from high card singletons. This bet serves to givesome return to a player who was dealt a poor hand.

Dealer Push (“Dragon”) Bet:

A bet that the dealer will push the main bet under the rules of the gameas it is being played.

Layout or Felt:

A cloth covering of a gaming table, which reveals the betting spaces andcard placements that are specific to a particular game to be played, sothat dealers and players can visibly be on the “same game program” asthey play that specific game. Without limiting the disclosure, thelayout or felt may comprise a game's trademark, name of an is-suingorganization (in other words the trademark holder) and location, and oneor more utility patent numbers, design patent numbers or pending patentapplication numbers for all proprietary table games offered on the felt.Further, the layout may have some general instructions such as “BonusBet,” “Insurance Bet,” and “Main Bets Push On Dealer's Jack-High OrLess,” etc. The layout may further comprise a gaming license number fora specific state's gaming jurisdiction.

Player Banking:

Players may “bank” certain hands against other players. A playerelecting to bank is asked to finance the wins and losses of his handplayed directly against other players.

Pai Gow Hand:

A hand that lacks any poker element of strength other than the value ofindividual singleton cards.

1. Methods of Playing Pai Gow Poker Games

A. Current State of the Art with Respect to House Edge in Pai Gow Poker

Currently, the house edge available from casino pai gow poker gamesderives from two sources: (1) the fact that copies are won by the house;and (2) the standard house commission of 5% on player winnings.

In regard to copies, using a standard house way, they occur with afrequency of about once in every 40 hands. This amounts to a 2.5%occurrence ratio, with a theoretical net yield of 1.25% (because pai gowpoker has a two-sided hand, both of which must prevail (copy on one sideplus a higher rank on the other side) in order for the house to win).Thus, the rule that the house wins copies theoretically contributes upto 1.25% to the house edge.

In regard to the standard house com-mission of 5% on player winnings,only player wins are commissionable. Players win with a frequency ofabout 32%, once tied hands and losing hands are factored out. This makesthe actual yield of the commission only about 1.6% on overall play.

Combining the house edge on copies with the house edge on commissions,they add up to about 2.85%. Though apparently deemed adequate by theindustry, the house edge is actually smaller than would be suggested bythe 2.8.5% figure. It may be shown that using current house ways,dealers misplay about one hand per every 70 to 125 hands of a pai gowpoker game. Using an average figure of one hand per every 80 handsmisplayed, then when facing competent players who do not make playingerrors, the cost to the house edge may be as much as about 1.25%,resulting in an overall house edge of only 1.6% (2.85% minus 1.25%).Since players also perform at varying playing strength levels, it may befair to say that the typical house edge lies within a range of 1.8% to2.5%, probably about 2.2%.

Accordingly, to be effective, the invention disclosed herein mustmaintain a house edge of about 2.2% or better after elimination of thestandard house commission on player winnings.

B. Fostering Copies to Provide Additional House Edge

The inventor has determined that specific short side copies occur morefrequently than others in pai gow poker. These are the two-card sides ofA-K, A-Q, A-J, K-Q, and K-J. This occurs because out of the seven cardsdealt to each position, players tend to select out the best availabletwo cards for the short side to maximize the possibility of winning thatside. Since poker rules rank pairs higher than any combination of twosingletons, existing house ways do not account for the strength of highsingletons on the short side. For example, they encourage excessivesplitting of 2-pair hands in order to place a pair on the short side.This practice weakens the long side and may prevent winning the handoverall. Significantly, this flawed strategy reduces the chance of acopy on the short side, because the players, for their part, tend toarrange high singletons on the short side, as noted above. While a pairon the short side might have outranked these high singletons, sinceremoval of the pair weakens the long side down to a one-pair side, thehouse would have been better off (and is better off on average)fostering a copy on the short side while holding a stronger long side.

The inventor arrived at this conclusion by observing the frequency atwhich high singletons copy on the short side. Table 1 below sets forththese frequency values:

TABLE 1 Short side Copy frequency (A, K)  7.2% (A, Q) 5.3% (A, J)  3.7%(K, Q) 6.3% (K, J)  3.9%

Rather than take into account the standard winning rate of highsingleton cards, the inventor added a strength factor based on howfrequently these high singletons copy. For example, using information inthe public domain, it may be observed that the A-K combination has awinning rate on the short side of 64.6%. Rather than derive a house waybased on just this winning rate, as current house ways do, the inventorastutely took into account the 7.2% rate at which the combination copieson the short side as provided in Table above (64.6%×1.072) to arrive ata truer assessment of winning rate for the A-K combination of 69.3% onthe short side. Such truer assessments were used by the inventor tocreate new types of house ways superior to standard house ways. Toillustrate the great benefit this novel disclosure provides, it may beobserved that the combinations of high singletons set forth in Table 1above occur 26.4% of the time in pai gow poker play, making thisadvantage very significant.

Table 2 sets forth these truer strength assessments comprising thewinning rates of the following combinations of high singleton cards onthe short side:

TABLE 2 Cutoff points to keep two pair combinations, using copy factorsto provide a dealer/banker advantage Short side Values A-K A-Q A-J A-xK-Q K-J K-x As 69.3% 62.4% 57.7% 50.1% 47.0% 39.8% 35.1% Dealer As 64.6%59.3% 55.6% 49.7% 44.2% 38.3% 35.0% Player Dealer value is calculated asplayer value times copying frequency, eg, the dealers' A-K = 64.6 ×1.072 or 69.3% as A-K copies 7.2% of the time. For A-Q: copy factor is5.3%; for A-J it is 3.7%; for K-Q it is 6.3%; for K-J it is 3.9%; forK-low it is 0.2%.

The fruit of the inventor's conception, research and development is thecreation of new types of house ways defined by these qualities:

A. Two-pair handling—Whenever the dealer is dealt a hand containing twopairs, he categorizes the three singleton cards of the hand into one ofthe four possible categories:

-   -   1. Ace-face (i.e., A-K, A-Q, A-J)    -   2. Ace-low (i.e., Ace-10 or less)    -   3. King-face (i.e., K-Q or K-J)    -   4. King-low and lower (i.e., K-x and lower)

In a subsequent step, the dealer proceeds as follows for each of theabove categories:

-   -   1. Ace-face—Dealer favors keeping together in the long side all        two pairs where one of the pairs is a king pair and the other        pair is a pair of 6's or lower, or any two-pair combination        having a poker ranking lower than this two-pair combination.    -   2. Ace-low—Dealer favors keeping together in the long side all        two pairs where one of the pairs is a king pair and the other        pair is a pair of 5's or lower, or a queen pair and the other        pair is a pair of 7's or lower, or any two-pair combination        having a poker ranking lower than the second of these two-pair        combinations.    -   3. King-face—Dealer favors keeping together in the long side all        two pairs where the pairs are:        -   i) 10's and 3's or lower;        -   ii) 9's and 4's or lower;        -   iii) 8's and 5's or lower; or        -   iv) 7's and 6's or lower.    -   4. King-low and lower—Dealer favors keeping together in the long        side all two pairs where the pairs are 6's and 5's or lower.

B. Straight or flush handling—Whenever the dealer is dealt a handcontaining a straight or a flush together with two pairs, and there is acombination of A-J or stronger for the short side after accounting forthe straight or flush, the dealer does not play the hand as a two-pairhand. Whenever the dealer is dealt a hand containing a straight or aflush together with two pairs, and the two pairs are 7's or lower, thenthe dealer does not play the hand as a two-pair hand.

The superiority of house ways fostering copies as per the currentdisclosure is shown in a comparison of the treatment of an illustrative7-card hand under existing house ways versus the new types of house wayof the current disclosure:

TABLE 3 Illustration Hand: (Q, Q, 7, 7, A, K, 3) played as per existinghouse ways: Hand Played as Win Push Loss Wins Long side Q, Q, A, K, 30.56 — 0.44 Short side 7, 7 0.83 — 0.17 Combined hand Q, Q, A, K, 3/7, 70.46 (0.47) 0.07 39 Summary: (a) Wins per hundred hands = 39 (b)Win/loss transactions per hundred hands = 53 (c) Wasted transactions =14 Played as per the current disclosure: Hand Played as Win Push LossWins Long side Q, Q, 7, 7, 3 0.83 — 0.17 Short side A, K 0.69 — 0.31Combined hand Q, Q, 7, 7, 3/A, K 0.57 (0.38) 0.052 52 Summary: (a) Winsper hundred hands = 52 (b) Win/loss transactions per hundred hands = 62(100 hands minus 38 pushed hands) (c) Wasted transactions = 10Comparison for (Q, Q, 7, 7, A, K, 3): Type Prior Art InventionImprovement Wins 39 52 13 Wasted 14 10 −4

The foregoing table makes clear that net wins are increased using thehouse ways of the current disclosure, and such is mathematicallyprovable. Moreover, the table makes clear that using existing houseways, there is a greater number of win/loss transactions that simplycancel each other out and are, in effect, wasted time in return for somecommissionable wins. On balance, however, the marginal benefit of somecommissionable wins is offset by the increased number of net wins underthe current disclosure together with the improvement to speed of play,which contribute to casino revenues overall and player satisfaction.

C. Pai Gow Push Mechanism

To compensate for elimination of a standard house commission on playerwinnings, the inventor altered the rules of pai gow poker to provide fora mechanism whereby the house obtains an edge by declaring a tie(“push”) on specified hands that it would have otherwise lost. Theinventor calls this the pai gow push mechanism (“push mechanism”). Thepush mechanism works as follows.

The push mechanism looks only to the dealer's hand to determine whetherthe main bets will push under the mechanism. If the dealer is dealt apai gow hand of a specific level (e.g., queen-high, jack-high, etc.depending upon the version of the Game being played), all main betspush. Though the push mechanism causes players to tie main bets theymight have otherwise won, player dissatisfaction is minimized by thestatistical rarity of the pai gow hand levels recommended in the instantdisclosure.

Pai gow high card hands exist in only six levels. These levels are9-high pai gow up to ace-high pai gow. The ranges for these pai gowhands are set forth in Table 4 below (table values are applicable onlyif there is no straight or flush within the 7-card hand):

TABLE 4 1. Ace high: (A, K, Q, J, 9, 8, 7) down to (A, 8, 7, 6, 4, 3,2), with it being appreciated that (A, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2) would be thestraight: (A, 2, 3, 4, 5/7, 8) just as it is in a regular poker hand 2.King high: (K, Q, J, 10, 8, 7, 6) down to (K, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2) 3. Queenhigh: (Q, J, 10, 9, 7, 6, 5) down to (Q, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2) 4. Jack high:(J, 10, 9, 8, 6, 5, 4) down to (J, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2) 5. Ten high: (10,9, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3) down to (10, 8, 7, 5, 4, 3, 2) 6. Nine high: (9, 8, 7,5, 4, 3, 2) and (9, 8, 7, 6, 4, 3, 2)

Different levels of push mechanisms, e.g., ace-high, king-high, etc.,provide different levels of house edge, as may be shown mathematically.Ace-high pai gow hands, including all lower pai gow hands, occur 16.1%of the time with a percentage of dealer losing hands of about 75% and aresulting house edge of about 12% using a bug joker. With a wild joker,and where no joker-based pai gow hands can occur, the ace-high frequencydrops to 15.1%, with a resulting house edge of about 11.3%.

King-nigh pai gow hands, including all lower pai gow hands, occur 6.7%of the time, with a percentage of dealer losing hands of about 87% and aresulting house edge of about 5.8% regardless whether a bug joker orwild joker is used.

Queen-high pai gow hands, including all lower pai gow hands, occur 2.6%of the time, with a percentage of dealer losing hands of about 93% and aresulting house edge of about 2.4% regardless whether a bug joker orwild joker is used.

Jack-high pai gow hands, including all lower pai gow hands, occur 0.8%of the time, with a percentage of dealer losing hands of about 97% and aresulting house edge of about 0.8% regardless whether a bug joker orwild joker is used.

Ten-high pai gow hands, including all lower pai gow hands, occur 0.2% ofthe time, with a percentage of dealer losing hands of about 98% and aresulting house edge of about 0.2% regardless whether a bug joker orwild joker is used.

Nine-high pai gow hands occur 1.02% of the time with a percentage ofdealer losing hands of about 99% and a resulting house edge of about0.02%, regardless whether a bug joker or wild joker is used.

Preferred embodiments of the Game as it incorporates the push mechanismare presented by way of example in the samples of derived house rulesets in Section E below. It may be readily appreciated that the pushmechanism of the instant disclosure may be used to similar advantage inconnection with other versions of card-based pai gow poker where thenumber of cards dealt to each position varies from five cards to eightcards (in contrast to the 7-card version described up to this point).For example, in an 8-card version, the dealer pushes when dealt 8-cardpai gow hands of a desired level such as king-high or queen-high, asdescribed above. Similarly, in a 5-card version, the dealer pushes whendealt 5-card pai gow hands of a desired level such as queen-high, asdescribed above.

D. Player Banking Alternative

In cases where a player might wish to bank a deal, as may be offered insome gaming establishments, a 5% commission would still be charged bythe gaming establishment against all player wins according to thisdisclosed version of the Game. Thus, if player banking is permitted bythe gaming establishment, the player banker could play head-on againstfellow table players, and thus cover their main bet wagers as the playerbanker, instead of the gaming establishment's covering the main betwagers. This situation arises because the gaming establishment is notbanking (or covering) the players' bets when the players play againsteach other, yet it still has to maintain a house edge mechanism underplayer-banking conditions in order to cover the gaming establishment'soverhead costs. It should further be noted that, as a standardconvention, if proposition bets are offered and are played by theplayers, the gaming establishment would cover (take or pay out) thesebets in all cases in this version of the Game. Thus, as described, thebanking player would only cover (or pay off wagers acting as the bank)the action (wager settlements) on the main bets against fellow playersof the Game.

E. Derived House Rule Sets

Without limiting the disclosure and merely for illustrative purposes,the inventor shows four exemplary house ways (house rule sets) of theGame below. These house rule sets have been derived from the method ofthe instant disclosure to foster copies and utilize a push mechanism toimprove the house edge in lieu of commission. It may be readilyappreciated that these house rule sets are not the only possible houserule sets embodying the method of the instant disclosure, which is morebroadly defined in Sections B and C above.

These house rule sets may be used: to set hands for table play of theGame; in software for the configuration of wagering and non-wageringdevices, personal mobile telephones, computers and gaming boxes as areknown in the art; in media suitable for transferring softwareincorporating the Game as is understood in the art; in internet orintranet service for gaming or non-gaming purposes; and in public media,such as (but not limited to) television broadcasts. The house rule setsdisclosed herein, and others contemplated by this disclosure, may beprinted on instruction cards for use as reference by a gamingestablishment's dealer in connection with the table game version of theGame, or otherwise displayed to assist dealers in other media, forexample, on an LCD-type screen. Such house rule sets may also be sharedby a gaming establishment with players, whether or not in connectionwith them acting as bankers, as desired.

Table 5 below illustrates an exemplary instruction sheet for the Gamewhere the joker is used as a hug card:

TABLE 5  1.  Pai gow: Highest card on long side, 2^(nd) and 3^(rd)strongest on short side - All hands push on dealer's jack-high pai gowor less (except bonus bets)  2.  One pair: Always play pair on longside, with next two strongest cards up (short side)  3.  Two-pairs: Whenthe two-pair hand has a two-card top (short side) that is listed in theleft column, perform the split or keep action to its right: Top:Two-pair split action to take AK: split no two pairs with AK for thetop, (not even Q's with J's) AQ: split kings with 7's or better only AJ:split K's with 5's or better, and Q's with 7's or better A-low: splitK's w/3's+, Q's w/5's+, J's w/8's+, 10's or 9's w/8's+, keep lower KQ:split all two-pair jacks and better, 10's w/4's+, 9's w/5's+, keep alllower KJ: split all two-pair jacks and better, split 10 w/3's+, 9'sw/4's+, 8's w/5's+ K-low: split all two-pair 9's and better, 8's w/3's+,7's w/5's+, keep all lower QJ: split 7's and better, and 6's w/4's or5's, keep all lower two pairs  4.  Three pairs: Always play the highestpair on short side  5.  Three-of-a-kind, simple (no flush or straightwith it): a. Three aces always split 2-and-1, with a pair of aces forthe long side b. Three kings always split 2-and-1 with a 10 or lowertop: else keep together with any ace or face card (ace, queen or jackshort side) c. All other three-of-a-kinds (queens and less) never breakup  6.  Two three-of-a-kinds: split off a pair from the higher group forthe top  7.  Straights and/or flushes: a. Straight or Flush with twopairs: when the straight or flush has a two-card top that is listed inthe left column, perform the action to its right: Pair: Always play thestraight or the flush if a pair can be played on top AK: Keep allstraights and flushes with AK top, ignore all two pairs AQ: Keep allstraights and flushes with AQ top, ignore all two pairs AJ: If straightonly, split two pairs K's with 8's+ or Aces with 6's+ A-x: Split all twopairs king- or ace-high, else play the straight or flush KQ: Split alltwo pairs queen-high+, else play straight or flush w/KQ KJ: Split alltwo pairs jack-high+, and playany two pairs with ace top K-x: Spliteight-high two pairs or play two pairs with ace up Q-x-: Spliteight-high two pairs or play two pairs with king or ace up (e.g.: Kd-9d-8d-5d-5c-4h-4d play as 5's and 4's with K-9 up, ignore flush) b.Straight or flush with one pair: If straight or flush has a short sideof: K-low: always play as straight or flush QJ: play face card pair withace-face up, else play straight/flush Q-x: play face card pair withace-face up or hand AAxxx/KQ up c. Straight with flush: if you cannotproduce a good hand with a) or b) above with either the straight or theflush, then play the one with the higher top. Except: if the tops areadjacent or essentially the same with both the straight and flush, thenalways play the stronger flush with essentially the same top (“Sametops” are A-9 vs. A-6 [both ace- low], K-Q vs. K-J [both king-face],K-10 vs. K-5 [both king-low], adjacent ace-face [AQ vs. AJ, but not AKvs. AJ], or both tops are Q-10 or lower) d. Straight or flush with threepairs: Automatic: Always play as a three pair e. Straight or flush withthree-of-a-kind: Automatic: always play as straight or flush with pairor ace up (e.g., Play 9888765 as 98765/88, and play AA*2459 as A2*45/A9)f. Straight or flush with full house: i. Play as flush or straight if apair 9's/better can be put on top, else: ii. Play split-up full house ifsplit full house has jacks+ for top iii. Play as straight/flush iface-king or pair can be played on top iv. Else treat as full house, aslisted below in #9 g. 6- or 7-card long straight or flush: play thestraight/flush which gives the best short side, unless straight andflush with Q- top, then play flush  8.  Straight flush or royal flush:Always (just) handle as straight or flush, above  9.  Full house: a. Ifyour full house's pair is 6's or less, and your hand has an AK (AQ with5's or less, AJ with 2's), then keep the full house together, else splitb. If you have a full house with an extra pair, then play the higherpair up c. Full house with straight or flush: Play as flush or straightwith pair 9's or better top; else play split-up full house if it hasjacks+ on top; else play as straight or flush if it has AK+ top; elsetreat as full house as per “a” above d. If your full house consists oftwo three-of-a-kinds or a four-of-a-kind with a three-of-a- kind, thensplit off a pair from the higher group, unless they are adjacent, thensplit up the lower group for a pair for the top 10.  Four-of-a-kind,with no pair or three-of-a-kind with it: Four aces: Always split intotwo pairs of aces Four kings: Split into two pairs only without an ace -else play as four-of-a-kind kings with AQ/AJ up; with ace-low (A-10 orless) play as a 3/1 split, as KKKxx/AK Four queens: Keep together withace-jack or ace-king top, but with ace-low (A-10 or less) split 3/1 as 3Q's and A-Q, else split into two pairs of queens without an ace Jacks or10's: Keep together with any ace, else split into two pairs ofjacks/10's 9's and 8's: Keep together with any king-face or better top,else split 7's: Keep together with a king or better top, else split 6's:Keep together with a queen or better top, else split 5's or less: Alwayskeep together 11.  Four-of-a-kind - with a pair: Always play afour-of-a-kind with a pair as an unsplit four-of-a-kind down with thepair up on the short side, Except: Four aces or kings with a pair of 3'sor 2's, then split off a high pair from the four-of-a-kind, to play twovery strong pairs down with a top pair up 12.  For four-of-a-kind with athree-of-a-kind: Split off pair from the higher group for the top,unless the groups are adjacent, then keep the four-of-a-kind together13.  Five aces: Play a pair of aces in the two-card side in ALL cases

Table 6 below illustrates an exemplary instruction sheet for the Gamewhere the joker is used as a bug card:

TABLE 6  1.  Pai gow: Highest card on long side, 2^(nd) and 3^(rd)strongest on short side  Hands may push on dealer's low pai gow or less(selected Q or J by house)  2.  One pair: Always play pair on long side,with next two strongest cards up  3.  Two pairs: a. Ace-high two pairsalways split b. With ace-face top, do not split pairs except K w/5+ andQ w/7+ c. With A-low, split all K's, Q-5+, J-7+, and 10's w/8-9's, keepother pairs d. With K-face top split 10's with 4's+, 9's w/5's+, 8'sw/6's+, keep 7's e. Keep all low pairs of 6's or less, except split 6'sw/5's, 4's with Q or less f. Split all other two pairs without an ace,but keep together with an ace  4.  Three pairs: always play the highestpair on short side  5.  Three-of-a-kind, simple (no flush or straightwith it): a. Three aces always split 2-and-1, as a pair of aces for thefive-card side b. Split three kings 2-and-1 with a J high top or less c.All other three-of-a-kinds (queens and less) never break up  6.  Twothree-of-a-kinds: split off a pair from the higher group for the top  7. Straights and/or flushes: a. Straight or flush with ace-face or pairfor the top: Always play as straight or flush with ace-face or pair top,and ignore all two pairs present b. Straight or flush with two pairswith low top: Play as straight/flush except: Face-high two pair with 6'sor better can be split, OR: The straight or flush has a K-low or worsetop, AND: i. Eight-high two pairs can be split, OR ii. Two pairs withany ace top can be played c. Straight with flush: If you cannot producea good hand with a), b) or c), then play the better top, except play theflush when tops are adjacent or both Q or less d. Straight or flush withthree pairs: Always play as a three-pair hand e. Straight or flush withthree of a kind: always play as straight or flush with pair or ace up(Play 9888765 as 98765/88, and AA*2459 = A2*45/A9) f. Straight or flushwith full house: Play as flush or straight if it has any pair for thetop, unless split full house has jacks or better pair; else treat asfull house below g. 6- or 7-card long straight or flush: play thestraight or flush best top  8.  Straight flush or royal flush: Alwayshandle as straight and/or flush, above  9.  Full house: a. If you have afull house with an extra pair, then play the higher pair up b. If yourfull house's pair is 5's or less, keep with AK or AQ, else split 10. Four-of-a-kind, with no pair or three-of-a-kind with it: Four aces:always split into two pairs of aces Four kings: split into two pairswithout an ace-face, but play as 4 K's with AQ/AJ Four queens: keeptogether with an ace-10 or better top, else split into two pairs Jacksor 10's: keep together with any ace top, else split as two pairs ofjacks/10s 9's and 8's: keep together with any king-jack or better top,else split 7's or 6's: keep together with any king or better top, elsesplit 5's or less: always keep together 11.  Four-of-a-kind - with apair: Play pair on top unless four aces or kings with 3's/2's 12.  Forfour-of-a-kind with a three-of-a-kind, split a pair from the highergroup for top 13.  Five aces: Always play a pair of aces up

Table 7 below illustrates an exemplary instruction sheet for the Gamewhere the joker is used as a bug card:

TABLE 7  1. Pai gow: Highest card in five card hand, 2^(nd) and 3^(rd)strongest on two card side All hands push on dealer's queen-only paigow, except bonus bets  2. One pair: Always play pair in five card side,with next two strongest cards up  3. Two pairs: a. Always split ace-hightwo pairs b. Always split faces and 7's or better, except when having anAK for the top c. Always keep all two-pairs 6's and less d. Split allother two pairs without an ace, but keep together with an ace  4. Threepairs: always play the highest pair in the two-card side  5.Three-of-a-kind, simple (no flush or straight with it): a. Three acesalways split 2-and-1, as a pair of aces for the five-card side b. Allother three-of-a-kinds (kings and less) never break up  6. Twothree-of-a-kinds: split off a pair from the higher group for the top  7.Straights and/or flushes: a. Straight or flush with ace-face or pair forthe top and two pairs: Play as straight/flush with ace-face or pair top;ignore all two pairs present b. Straight or flush with KJ to A-x top andtwo pairs: Play as straight/flush, except if aces or faces with 6's orbetter two pairs can be split c. Straight or flush K-low or lower topand two pairs: Play as two pairs if: i. Eight-high two pairs can besplit, OR ii. Two pairs with any ace top can be played d. Straight withflush: If you cannot produce a good hand with a), b) or c), then playthe straight or flush with the higher top e. Straight or flush withthree pairs: Always play as a three pair hand f. Straight or flush withthree-of-a-kind: always play as straight or flush with pair or ace up(Play 9888765 as 98765/88, and AA*2459 = A2*45/A9) g. Straight or flushwith full house: Play as flush or straight if it has any pair for thetop, else treat as full house, below  8. Straight flush or Royal Flush:Always handle as straight and/or flush, above  9. Full house: a. If youhave a full house with an extra pair, then play the higher pair up b. Ifyour full house's pair is 5's or less, keep with AK or AQ, else split10. Four-of-a-kind: a. Always split four aces 2 & 2, unless there is apair of 4's or better for the top b. Keep all other quads together withan ace-face or pair for the top c. Split four kings or queens 2 & 2 withan ace-10 or less for the top d. Keep 10's or jacks together with anyace or pair for the top, else split 2 & 2 e. Keep 7's through 9'stogether with any king-face or better, else split 2 & 2 f. Keep 6's andlower in all cases 11. For four-of-a-kind with a three-of-a-kind, splita pair from the higher group for top 12. Five aces: Always play a pairof aces up

Table 8 below illustrates an exemplary Instruction sheet for the Gamewhere the joker is completely wild:

TABLE 8  1.  Pai gow: Highest card in five-card hand, 2nd and 3rdstrongest on two-card side  All hands push on dealer's queen-only paigow, except bonus bets  2.  Two pairs: a. Always split ace-high twopairs b. Always split faces and 7's or better, except when having an AKfor the top c. Always keep all two-pairs 6's and less d. Split all othertwo pairs without an ace, but keep together with an ace  4.  Three pairs(without wild full house): play the highest pair in the two-card side 5.  Natural three-of-a-kind, simple (no flush, straight or pairs withit): a. Three aces always split 2-and-1, as a pair of aces for thefive-card side b. All other three-of-a-kinds (kings and less) neverbreak up  6.  Wild three-of-a-kind or two wild pairs: Play asthree-of-a-kind with an AQ or better  top, else play as best two pairhand (e.g., *AQ6642 = AQ/66642, *KQ6642 = 66/KKQ42)  7.  Two naturalthree-of-a-kinds: always split off a pair from the higher group for the top  8.  Straights and/or flushes: Straight or flush with two pairs: a.Play as a straight with AQ or better for the top, play flush with AJ orbetter top b. Play as two pairs if eight-high two-pairs can be split, orif any two pairs can be played together with an ace for the top c. Elseplay the straight or the flush Straight with flush: Play the straight orflush with the better two-card side Straight or flush with wild threepairs/full house: play the “best pair top” straight, flush or full houseStraight or flush with three-of-a-kind: always play as straight or flushwith pair or ace top 6- or 7-card long straight and/or flush: play thestraight or flush best top  9.  Straight flush or royal flush: Alwayshandle as straight and/or flush, above 10.  Full house - wild ornatural: a. If you have two full houses, then play the full house withthe highest pair up b. If your full house's pair is 5's or less, keeptogether with AK or AQ, else split 11.  Wild four-of-a-kind: Play aseither full house or four-of-a-kind with best top pair 12.  Naturalfour-of-a-kind: a. Always split four aces 2 & 2, unless there is a pairof 4's or better for the top b. Keep all other quads together with anace-face or pair for the top c. Split four kings or queens 2 & 2 with anace-10 or less for the top d. Keep 10's or jacks together with any aceor pair for the top, else split 2 & 2 e. Keep 7's through 9's togetherwith any king-face or better, else split 2 & 2 f. Keep 6's and lower inall cases 13.  For four-of-a-kind with a three-of-a-kind: Split a pairfrom the higher group for top 14.  Five-of-a-kind: Always play extrapair up, and the natural four-of-a-kind down,  unless four aces or kingswith 3's or 2's, then put up a pair of aces or kings When holding thewild card joker, and having a hand combination that is not addressedabove: Play the hand that gives the strongest five-card “hand type” orcategory, if an AQ or better can be placed on the two-card side, elseplay the hand that gives the best two- card side

FIGS. 1-8 are flow diagrams indicating steps in the method as embodiedin the first of the exemplary house rule sets presented above. Theseflow diagrams are not intended to be limiting, but illustrate oneembodiment of the Game as provided in this disclosure. As explained inparagraph 90 above, the result of this logic may be incorporated assoftware for wagering or non-wagering devices, etc. as would beunderstood in the art.

FIGS. 1A-1B indicate steps of the hand-setting process for dealers,after the players have been dealt and set their hands, in an embodimentof the Game. In a step 1000, the game begins. The hands are examined instep 1002. The dealer may now examine whether the hand is a pai gow handin step 1004. In step 1004 a, the second and third highest valued cardsare placed into the dealer's snort side. In step 1004 b, one evaluationstep would be to determine if the dealer's hand is a jack-high or lowerpai gow. If the dealer's hand meets the criterion of step 1004 b, thenplay proceeds to step 1004 d, all main bets push, and play proceeds tostep 1016.

Step 1006 poses the question: is the dealer's hand a one-pair hand? Ifso, the hand is arranged and the dealer's pair goes into the long sideand the dealer's next two cards go into the short side as set forth instep 1006 a, resulting in the dealer standing on this arrangement ofcards (end 1016) to be compared against the other players' handarrangements.

If the answer to the question of step 1006 is no, then step 1008 askswhether there are two pairs in the dealer's hand. If there are twopairs, the dealer is directed to step 1008 a, which directs the dealerto FIG. 2 for instruction on how to set his two-pair hand. Step 1010asks whether the dealer has a three-pair hand. If the dealer has athree-pair hand, he proceeds to step 1010 a, which instructs to set thehand using the highest pair in the short side. If the answer to step1010 is no, the dealer proceeds to step 1012, which asks whether thehand has a three-of-a-kind. If the answer is yes, the dealer proceeds tostep 1012 a. Step 1012 a instructs the dealer to always split three aceswith one ace going into the short side along with the next highestsingleton. If the three-of-a-kind is three kings, and the next highestsingleton is jack or less, then one king goes into the short side withthe next highest singleton. If the three-of-a-kind is queens or lower,then the dealer is instructed to keep the three-of-a-kind together inthe long side, with the two highest singletons going to the short side.If the answer to step 1012 is no, then the dealer proceeds to step 1014,which asks whether the hand has two three-of-a-kinds. If the answer isyes, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1014 a. Step 1014 ainstructs the dealer to split off a pair from the higher three-of-a-kindto play on the short side. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructedto proceed to step 1018.

Step 1018 asks whether the dealer's hand has a straight and/or a flush.If the answer is yes, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1018a. If the flush and/or straight contain two pairs, then the dealer isinstructed to go to FIG. 3 for processing a straight and/or flush withtwo pairs. If the straight and/or flush is combined with one pair, thedealer is instructed to go to FIG. 4 for processing the hand. If thestraight and/or flush is combined with a full house, then the dealer isinstructed to proceed to FIG. 5. For all other types of straights and/orflushes, the dealer is instructed to proceed to FIG. 6.

If the answer to step 1018 is no, then the dealer is instructed toproceed to step 1020, asking if the hand has a royal flush or straightflush. If the answer is yes, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step1020 a. Step 1020 a instructs the dealer to simply treat the hand as aregular straight and/or flush, as in step 1018 a. If the answer is no,the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1022, asking whether thehand contains a full house. If the answer is yes, the dealer isinstructed to proceed to step 1022 a. Step 1022 a asks if the full housealso has a straight and/or a flush with it. If the answer is yes, thedealer is instructed to proceed to step 1022 b. Step 1022 b directs thedealer to handle the hand as a straight and/or flush with full house byproceeding to FIG. 6. If the answer is no, then the dealer is instructedto proceed to step 1022 c. Step 1022 c instructs the dealer to proceedto the simple full house procedure in FIG. 7.

If the answer to step 1022 is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed tostep 1024, asking whether the hand is a four-of-a-kind. If the answer isyes, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1024 a, asking whetherthe hand contains a four-of-a-kind aces or kings with an extra pair. Ifthe answer is yes, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1024 b,asking whether the pair is a pair of 2's or 3's. If the answer is yes,the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1024 d. Step 1024 dinstructs the dealer to split off a pair of aces or kings for the shortside, playing two pairs on the long side.

If the answer to step 1024 b is no, the dealer is instructed to proceedto step 1024 e. Step 1024 e instructs the dealer to play thefour-of-a-kind on the long side. If the answer to step 1024 a is no, thedealer is instructed to proceed to step 1024 c for the four-of-a-kindprocedure of FIG. 12. If the answer to step 1024 is no, the dealer isinstructed to proceed to step 1026. Step 1026 asks whether the handcontains five aces, to which the answer can only be yes at this point.The dealer is therefore instructed to proceed to step 1026 a. Step 1026a instructs the dealer to play the hand as two aces in the short side,with three aces in the long side in all cases.

If the dealer was directed to FIG. 2, he is processing simple, two-pairhands. The dealer begins at step 1030, where he reads the two highestsingleton cards outside of the two pairs. Step 1031 asks whether the twohighest singleton cards are ace and king. If the answer is yes, thedealer is instructed to proceed to step 1032 a, where he is instructedto play the A-K on the short side, and to play the two pairs together onthe long side. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructed to proceedto step 1034, asking whether the two singleton cards are A-Q. If theanswer is yes, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1034 a. Step1034 a instructs the dealer to split only kings with 7's or higher. Ifthe answer is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1036,asking whether the two singletons are A-J. If the answer is yes, thedealer is instructed to proceed to step 1036 a, which instructs him tosplit kings with 5's or higher, and queens with 7's or higher. If theanswer is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1038, askingwhether the two singleton cards are ace with a low card of 10 or less.If the answer is yes, the dealer is instructed to split kings with 3'sor higher, queens with 5's or higher, and jacks or 10's with 8's orhigher.

If the answer to step 1038 is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed tostep 1040, asking whether the singletons are K-Q. If the answer is yes,the dealer proceeds to step 1040 a. Step 1040 a instructs the dealer tosplit all jacks and higher, 10's with 4's or higher, and 9's with 5's orhigher. The dealer keeps all other two-pairs together on the long sideand K-Q top on the short side. If the answer to step 1040 is no, thedealer is instructed to proceed to step 1042. Step 1042 asks whether thesingletons are K-J. If the answer is yes, the dealer is instructed toproceed to step 1042 a, where he will split all jacks and higher, 10'swith 3's or better, 9's with 4's or better, and 8's with 5's or better.If the answer is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1044.

Step 1044 asks whether singletons are K-x. If the answer is yes, thedealer is instructed to split all 9's or higher, 8's with 3's or higher,and 7's with 4's or higher. If the answer to step 1044 is no, the dealeris instructed to proceed to step 1046, asking whether singletons are Q,J or less. If the answer is yes, and it can only be yes at this point,the dealer is instructed to split all 7's and higher, and splits 6'swith 4's or 5's. The dealer keeps all lower two pairs together in thelong side.

FIG. 3 sets forth the flow of instructions for the handling of straightsand/or flushes that also contain two pairs. Step 1050 instructs thedealer to read the two highest singleton cards outside of the straightand/or flush. The dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1052, askingwhether the singletons are A-K or A-Q. If the answer is yes, the dealerproceeds to step 1052 a, which instructs the dealer to keep allstraights and flushes with an A-K or A-Q for the short side. If theanswer is no, then the dealer proceeds to step 1054, asking whether thesingletons are A-J. If the answer is yes, the dealer keeps all f lushes,and will keep all straights unless the two pairs are aces and 6's orbetter, or kings and 8's or better, in which case he plays the hand astwo split pairs. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructed toproceed to step 1056, asking whether the singletons are ace with a lowcard (10 or less). If the answer is yes, the dealer is instructed tosplit all two pairs that are ace- or king-high, else he plays thestraight or flush with the ace on the short side. If the answer is no,the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1058, asking whether thesingletons are K-Q. If the answer is yes, the dealer is instructed tosplit all two pairs that are queen-high or better, else to play thestraight or flush. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructed toproceed to step 1060, asking whether the singletons are K-J. If theanswer is yes, the dealer is instructed to split all two pairs that arejack-high or better, or play two pairs in the long side with an ace forthe short side, else play the straight or flush. If the answer is no,the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1062, asking whether thesingletons are K-x. If the answer is yes, the dealer is instructed toproceed to step 1062 a, where he splits all two pairs that are 8's orhigher, or to play the two pairs together with an ace for the shortside, else to play the straight or flush. If the answer is no, then thedealer must have singleton cards of Q-J or less, as asked in step 1064.Since the answer can only be yes, the dealer is instructed to split alltwo pairs that are 8's or better, or to play two pairs together with aking or ace top, else to play the straight or flush.

FIG. 4 concerns the handling of straights and/or flushes combined withone pair. Step 1068 instructs the dealer to read the two highestsingleton cards outside of the straight or flush. Step 1070 asks whetherthe singleton cards are K-x or higher. If the answer is yes, the dealeris instructed to always play the straight or flush. If the answer is no,the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1072, where the dealer isasked whether the two singleton cards are Q-J. If the answer is yes, thedealer is instructed to play a face card pair with an ace-face shortside, else he must play the straight or flush. If the answer is no, thenthe dealer can only have singleton cards of Q-10 or lower. The dealer isthen instructed to proceed to step 1074 a, where he is instructed toplay a face-card pair with an ace-face top, or to play a pair of aces inthe long side with a K-Q short side, else he is instructed to play thestraight or the flush.

FIG. 5 concerns compound hand-types of straights or flushes with threepair, a three-of-a-kind, a full house, or just a straight with a flush.Step 1078 instructs the dealer to read the type of compound hand. Thedealer is instructed to proceed to step 1080, asking whether the hand isa straight or flush with three pairs. If the answer is yes, the dealeris instructed to proceed to step 1080 a, where he is instructed toalways play it as a simple three-pair hand, with the highest pair on theshort side. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed tostep 1082, asking whether the compound hand-type is a straight or aflush with a three-of-a-kind. If the answer is yes, the dealer isinstructed to proceed to step 1082 a, to always play as a straight orflush with a pair or an ace on the short side. If the answer is no, thedealer is asked whether the hand contains a full house. If the answer isyes, the dealer is instructed to proceed through step 1084 a, to go toFIG. 6 (straight or flush with full house handling). If the answer isno, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1086, which can only bea straight combined with a flush. In this case, the dealer is instructedto proceed to step 1086 a, where he is instructed to play the straightor the flush with the higher short side, unless the flush or thestraight produce short sides that are adjacent (e.g., A-K versus A-Q,K-Q versus K-J, etc.). When both the straight and flush have adjacentshort sides, the dealer is instructed to always play the stronger flush.

FIG. 6 concerns the handling of a straight and/or flush with a fullhouse. Step 1090 instructs the dealer to read the two highest singletoncards outside of the straight or flush. Step 1092 asks whether the shortside is a pair of 9's or higher. If the answer is yes, the dealer isinstructed to proceed to step 1092 a, where he is instructed to play thehand as a straight or a flush. If the answer is no, the dealer isinstructed to proceed to step 1094, asking whether the pair containedwithin the full house is jacks or higher. If the answer is yes, thedealer is instructed to proceed to step 1094 a, where he is instructedto play the hand as a split full house. If the answer is no, the dealeris instructed to proceed to step 1096, asking whether the flush orstraight has an A-K or a pair for the short side. If the answer is yes,the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1096 a, where he isinstructed to play the hand as a straight or flush with the A-K or pairshort side. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed tostep 1096 b, which instructs him to play the hand as a simple fullhouse, as instructed in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 concerns the handling of a simple full house-type hand. Step 1100instructs the dealer to read the two singleton cards outside the fullhouse. Step 1102 asks whether the pair contained within the full houseis 6's or less, and the singleton cards are A-K. If the answer is yes,the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1102 a, where he isinstructed to play the full house on the long side and the A-K on theshort side. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed tostep 1104, asking whether the pair contained within the full house is5's or less, and the singletons are A-K or A-Q. If the answer is yes,the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1104 a, where he isinstructed to play the fall house on the long side, and to play the A-Kor A-Q on the short side. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructedto proceed to step 1106, asking whether the pair contained within thefull house is 2's, and the singletons are A-J or stronger. If the answeris yes, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1106 a, where ne isinstructed to keep the full house in the long side, and to play the A-Jor higher singletons on the short side. If the answer is no, the dealeris instructed to proceed to step 1106 b, instructing him to split up thefull house, playing the pair from the full house on the short side.

FIG. 8 concerns the handling of four-of-a-kind hands lacking an extrapair. In step 1110, the dealer reads the level of the four-of-a-kind andproceeds to step 1112, asking the dealer whether the four-of-a-kind isaces. If the answer is yes, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step1112 a, where he is instructed to always split four aces into two pairsof aces, one pair for the long side and one pair for the short side. Ifthe answer is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1114,asking whether the four-of-a-kind is kings. If the answer is yes, thedealer is instructed to proceed to step 1114 a, where he is instructedto do the following: (1) if there is no ace singleton present, thedealer splits four kings into two pairs of kings, one for each side; (2)if an ace plus a jack or queen are present, the dealer keeps thefour-of-a-kind kings together, and plays the A-Q or A-J on the shortside; (3) if an ace and a 10 or less are present, the dealer plays threekings on the long side and an A-K on the short side. If the answer isno, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1116, asking whether thefour-of-a-kind is queens. If the answer is yes, the dealer is instructedto proceed to step 1116 a, where he is instructed to do the following:(1) if no ace singleton is present, the dealer splits his four queensinto two pairs of queens, one for each side; (2) if an ace plus a kingor a jack are present, the dealer keeps the four-of-a-kind queenstogether on the long side, with the A-K or A-J as the short side; (3) ifan ace or a 10 or less are present, the dealer plays three queens on thelong side, with an A-Q as the short side. If the answer is no, thedealer is instructed to proceed to step 1118, asking whether thefour-of-a-kind are jacks or 10's. If the answer is yes, the dealer keepsthe four-of-a-kind together with any ace-high or better short side, elsehe splits it into two pairs of jacks or 10's, one pair for each side. Ifthe answer is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed to step 1120,asking whether the four-of-a-kind is 9's or 8's. If the answer is yes,the dealer keeps the four-of-a-kind together with any K-J or bettershort side, else he splits the four-of-a-kind into two pairs, one foreach side. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructed to proceed tostep 1122, asking whether the four-of-a-kind is 7's. If the answer isyes, the dealer keeps the four-of-a-kind together with any king-high orbetter short side, else he splits the four-of-a-kind 7's into two pairs,one for each side. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructed toproceed to step 1124, asking whether the four-of-a-kind is 6's. If theanswer is yes, he keeps the four-of-a-kind 6's together with anyqueen-high or better short side, else he splits it into two pairs of6's, one for each side. If the answer is no, the dealer is instructed toproceed to step 1126, asking whether the dealer has four 5's or lower,to which the answer must be yes. The dealer is then instructed toproceed to step 1126 a, where he is instructed to keep thefour-of-a-kind together, with the next highest two singletons placed onthe short side.

F. Novel Proposition Bets

i. Dynasty Bonus Bet

A novel bonus bet is disclosed, which for convenience is referred toherein as the “Dynasty Bonus Bet.” The Dynasty Bonus Bet is a wager thatallows a player to bet that his 7-card hand will contain athree-of-a-kind (labeled as “Trips” in the table below) or higher. Ifthe player is not dealt a 7-card hand containing a three-of-a-kind orhigher, he loses the bet. If the player is dealt a 7-card handcontaining a three-of-a-kind or higher, he is paid according to Table 5below. The Dynasty Bonus Bet may include an “Envy Bonus Feature” wherebyany player betting a predetermined amount, such as $5, receives a payoutwhenever another player participating in the same Game obtains afour-of-a-kind or higher.

TABLE 9 Hand Combinations P (Hand) Payout Value Envy Odds Envy ValueEnvy$ Losing 124556196 0.808 −1 −0.808 0 0 $0.00 combinations Trips7672500 0.0498 3 0.149 0 0 $0.00 Straight 11034204 0.072 2 0.143 0 0$0.00 Flush 6172088 0.0400 4 0.160 0 0 $0.00 Full House 4188528 0.027 50.136 0 0 $0.00 Four-of- 307472 0.002 25 0.050 1 0.002 $5.00 a-KindStraight 180324 0.001 50 0.059 4 0.005 $20.00 Flush Royal 26020 0.000120 0.020 10 0.002 $50.00 Flush A-5 Natural 4308 0.000 120 0.003 150.000 $75.00 Straight Flush Five Aces 1128 0.000 500 0.004 20 0.000$100.00 Seven-Card 196 0.000 1000 0.00 40 0.000 $200.00 Wild StraightFlush Royal Flush 72 0.000 1000 0.000 80 0.000 $300.00 With (Natural) AQSuited Seven-Card 32 0.000 2000 0.000 100 0.000 $400.00 Natural StraightFlush A-5 Natural 12 0.000 2000 0.000 60 0.500 $500.00 Straight FlushWith AQ Suited Total: 154143080 1 −0.082 0.000 Solo Player −8.16% ReturnMax Value of   4.52% Envy Bonus Feature Optimal −3.64% Multiple PlayerReturn

The Dynasty Bonus Bet is independent of the main bet, in other words,the player can win or lose the Dynasty Bonus Bet without regard towhether the player won or lost the main Det. A novel element of theDynasty Bonus Bet is that it pays 120:1 on an ace through 5 naturalstraight flush (natural, meaning, without the use of a joker). A furthernovel element of the Dynasty Bonus Bet is that it pays out 1,000:1 on aroyal flush when the hand additionally contains a natural A-Q of samesuit for the short side. Yet a further novel element of the DynastyBonus Bet is that it pays out 2,000:1 on an ace through 5 naturalstraight flush, without the use of a joker, and the hand additionallycontains a natural A-Q of same suit for the short side.

ii. Pai Gow Protection Bet

A novel protection bet is disclosed, which for convenience is referredto herein as the “Pai Gow Protection Bet.” The Pai Gow Protection Bet isa wager that allows a player to bet that his 7-card hand will contain nopoker elements aside from high-card singletons or that it will containan A-5 natural straight flush. If the player is not dealt such a 7-cardhand, he loses the bet. If the player is dealt such a 7-card hand, he ispaid according to Table 10 below.

The Pai Gow Protection Bet is independent of the main bet, in otherwords, the player can win or lose the Pai Gow Protection Bet withoutregard to whether the player wins or loses the main bet. A novel elementof the Pai Gow Protection Bet is that it pays 100:1 on an ace through 5natural straight flush. A further novel element of the Pai GowProtection Bet is that it pays out an additional bonus based on the rankof the higher “kicker” card (meaning the highest card outside of the acethrough 5 natural straight flush) as set forth below in Table 10:

TABLE 10 Combina- P Pay- Hand tions (Hand) out Value Losses 129,358,3400.8392 −1 −0.8392 A-High Pai Gow 14,430,780 0.0936 3 0.2809 K-High PaiGow 6,386,940 0.0414 5 0.2072 Q-High Pai Gow 2,719,500 0.0176 7 0.1235J-High Pai Gow 963,480 0.0062 15 0.0937 10-High Pai Gow 248,640 0.001625 0.0403 9-High Pai Gow 31,080 0.0002 100 0.0202 A-5 Natural StraightFlush + 540 0.0000 103 0.0004 A-High Kicker A-5 Natural Straight Flush +664 0.0000 105 0.0005 K-High Kicker A-5 Natural Straight Flush + 6000.0000 107 0.0004 Q-High Kicker A-5 Natural Straight Flush + 536 0.0000115 0.0004 J-High Kicker A-5 Natural Straight Flush + 472 0.0000 1250.0004 10-High Kicker A-5 Natural Straight Flush + 1,508 0.0000 2000.00196 9-High or Less Kicker Total: 154,143,080 1 −6.95%

In another embodiment, the Pai Gow Protection Bet is the same as above,except that the ace through 5 natural straight flush pays out 120:1regardless of the kicker card.

iii. Queen's Dragon Bet

A novel dealer push bet is disclosed, which for convenience is referredto herein as the “Queen's Dragon Bet.” The Queen's Dragon Bet is a wagerthat allows a player to bet that the dealer will push all main bets on adealer's queen-high pai gow hand (for versions of the Game that push themain bet on a dealer's queen-high pai gow hand). If the dealer pushesthe main bet on a queen-high pai gow hand, the player wins the bet. Ifthe dealer does not push the main bet on a queen-high pal gow hand, theplayer loses the bet. A novel element of the Queen's Dragon Bet is thatit pays 45:1 on a dealer's queen-high pai gow hand.

iv. Jack's Dragon Bet

A novel dealer push bet is disclosed, which for convenience is referredto herein as the “Jack's Dragon Bet.” The Jack's Dragon Bet is a wagerthat allows a player to bet that the dealer will push all main bets on adealer's lack-high or lower pai gow hand (for versions of the Game thatpush the main bet on a dealer's jack-high or lower pai gow hand). If thedealer pushes the main bet on a jack-high or lower pai gow hand, theplayer wins the bet. If the dealer does not push the main bet on ajack-high or lower pai gow hand, the player loses the bet. A novelelement of the Jack's Dragon Bet is that it pays 100:1 on a dealer'sjack-high or lower pai gow hand.

In a preferred embodiment, the Game includes one or more of theabove-described proposition bets. However, it may be understood thatnone of the proposition bets are necessary to the Game, and should notbe read as limiting the disclosure in any way.

2. Table Layouts

According to FIG. 9, in an embodiment of a gaming table layout 100(hereinafter “layout”) for the Game, the layout comprises a dealerlocation 10 (denoted “Dealer” in FIG. 9) and at least one playerlocation 20 (denoted “Player” in FIG. 9). Furthermore, the layout 100may comprise a wagering region 22 generally located proximate to eachplayer's location 20. Without limiting the disclosure, the wageringregion 22 has been depicted in FIG. 9 with the letter M denoting themain bet. In versions of the Game where a player is the banker, a marker(not shown in FIG. 9) may be placed proximate to the designated playerbanker location. In this manner, such player banker may be visuallyknown to other players. Of course, one or more than one players may playthe Game, and only one player will be located at each player location20.

Referring further to FIG. 9, the layout 100 may further comprise a longside region (shown as “H” for “high” in FIG. 9) 24 a configured toreceive the 5-card long side of a hand, and a short side region (shownas “L” for “low” in FIG. 9) 24 b configured to receive the 2-card shortside of a hand, with each of the long side and short side portionslocated proximate to both each of the player locations 20 and the dealerlocation 10 for convenience of visibility and association with thedealer and players.

Again, with reference to FIG. 9, the layout 100 may further comprise oneor more table instructions 26 shown, for example, as “All Hard's Push onDealer's Jack-High or Less” or any other suitable table instructionsregarding play of the Game to inform players regarding certain rules ofthe Game and the kind of game being offered. Further, the layout 100 maycomprise an identification notice 28 notifying players of certainspecific information regarding the originator of the Game being playedand any other information that pertains to the Game. Of course, thelayout 100 may further have a marking that specifically identifies anyproprietary rights data (or informational label) 30 relating to the Gamebeing played. Further, the layout 100 may comprise one or more payouttables 32 (one shown in FIG. 9), so that players may be informed of thepayouts being paid during settlement of wagers during the Game inconformance to a gaming establishment's payout rules.

Referring again to FIG. 9, in yet another aspect of the layout 100, thedealer may shuffle a deck of playing cards by hand or, as depicted, thedealer may make use of a shuffling device 34.

In yet another aspect of the layout 100, another aid to the dealer mayinclude a chip rack (or chip holder, token rack or token holder) 36(shown in FIG. 9B, but not in FIG. 9A) used by the dealer to provide andreceive wager exchanges or settlements (wins/losses) during the courseof the Game to be banked or paid out by the dealer and/or designatedplayer banker. The chip rack 36 may include a plurality of tokens 36 aof varying denominations and a currency holder 36 b for depositing atleast one currency equivalent tendered by the player to the dealer inexchange for tokens of the chip holder 36. The currency equivalent maybe any form of monetary currency such as notes, checks, vouchers, coinsand the like which may be deposited in the currency holder 36 b by thedealer in exchange for the tokens. Thus the currency holder 36 bfunctions as a safety deposit box which may be cleared out by a gamingestablishment as desired.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, another embodiment of a layout 200 revealssubstantially the same features as the layout 100 (see FIG. 9A anddescription above). However, without limiting the disclosure, inaddition to the specific features of the layout 100 with the main(first) wagering region 22, the layout 200 may further comprise a bonuswagering (second wager) region 22 a (marked “B” in FIG. 9B) and aprotection or insurance (third) wagering region 22 b (marked “P” in FIG.9B) as discussed in the Terminology Section above.

FIG. 9C depicts an exploded top plan view of the card placements of thelong side and short side for the players.

FIG. 9D depicts aspects of the Game of either of FIG. 9A or 9B whenconfigured in communication with one or more servers 50 (one shown inFIG. 9D) and one or more databases 52 (one shown in FIG. 9D) of a serversystem coupled to various elements of a layout 300 such as those shownin any of the layouts 100, 200 as described above with respect to FIGS.9A and 98. The server may be coupled to the shuffling device (alsotermed a shoe) 34, a dealer interface 54 to allow input/output ofinformation entered or received by the dealer during play of one or morerounds of the Game. As shown in FIG. 9D, the dealer may also interactwith a display device 56 showing various house ways of arranging pai gowpoker hands and/or other information pertinent to playing the Game. Ofcourse, the display device 56 could be a self-contained computer systemor simply an input/output display device coupled to the server 50 asdesired. It should be understood that such server systems may be typicalof various systems used by gaming establishments to monitor flow of anywagering table and provide information to either the dealer and/or theplayers as desired. The dealer may be consulted by any of the players toarrange the players' hands so that, in some respects, the Game may bereasonably transparent regarding playing strategies. However, if playersplay against each other in versions where a player is the banker, thensuch transparency may be undesirable. Such communication technologyusing servers may also be available for machine-oriented wagering gameswhether by way of wired or wireless methods as is understood in the art.Furthermore, it is understood that the Game may be offered as one ormore non-wagering computer games available on various media as softwareas is known in the art.

Without limiting the disclosure, FIG. 9E depicts a schematic viewshowing a portion of the server system (see description above and FIG.9D) associated with a playing card verification server (hereinafter“shuffler verifier”) 400. The shuffler verifier 400 may be configured toverify which playing cards have been dealt from a shuffling device 34comprising a shoe bin 34 a, tracking accounting firmware or software(hereinafter “tracking module”) 34 b that may be incorporated in one ormore logic and/or memory chips (not shown) and a discard rack 34 cduring play of the Game versions of either FIG. 9A or 9B. Specifically,as illustrated in FIG. 9E, when the dealer stacks the shoe bin 34 a witha deck of playing cards 40, one or more detectors (not shown) of theshoe bin 34 a recognize (by means of an energy detector such asinfrared, visible, UV and the like) that the playing cards have beenloaded. In addition, as one or more playing cards are dealt by thedealer to the players, the one or more detectors may read the playingcards and record (by means of one or more random access memory chips)which playing cards had been dealt using the tracking module 42 b. As isknown in the art, the tracking module 42 b may be in-built circuitry ofthe shuffling device 34 in communication with accounting software asdesired. Similarly, the tracking module 42 b may account for any of theplaying cards 40 that have been discarded rather then dealt into thediscard rack 34 c.

In a further aspect of the shuffler verifier 400, the tracking module 42b may be in communication with one or more input/output modules 58 topermit the dealer to verify that a legitimate shuffling operation hadbeen made. A playing card shuffling operation that is illegitimate maybe voided as may be posted on a display device (not shown in FIG. 9E butshown in FIG. 9D), such as a monitor or a light (not shown in FIG. 9D or9E) that flashes to inform players regarding the integrity of theplaying card shuffling operation. In other aspects, the input/outputmodules 58 may communicate with one or more input/output modules of theserver 50 (shown coupled to a CPU unit 50 a, although not limited to asingle CPU as is understood in the art) to record data such as whichplaying cards 50 had been dealt to which specific player in order topermit review of any disputed Game hands. As would be understood, theinput/output modules 58 may be in communication with a dealer interface54 comprising one or more keyboards, mice, pointing devices, tablets andother peripherals such as memory sticks, disk drives, tapes and the liketo permit human interaction using the dealer interface (DI) (seedescription above with respect to FIG. 9D) within the shuffler verifier400. Of course, input/output modules 58 may include integrated circuitboards having circuitry as is understood in the art to permit flow ofcommunications between at least two devices.

In yet another aspect, the CPU (central processing unit) 50 a of theserver 50 may be coupled to memory 50 b comprising internal dynamicrandom access and/or internal flash memory (termed “bios” and othermemory chips with relatively “static or fixed memory” components knownas “firmware” or having had other similar designations) as understood inthe art that allows the server to carry out increasingly complexcomputing tasks. As depicted in FIG. 9E, the server's CPU 50 a may alsobe coupled to one or more other peripheral units such as the databaseunit 52 depicted in FIG. 9D as a disk stack. Of course, and withoutlimiting the disclosure, there are multiple other storage database unitsknown in the art, such as flash memory, magnetic tape, CDs and DVDs,hard disks, floppy disks and the like. Naturally, such peripheral unitsmay comprise one or more other server input/output devices (not shown)to permit: human interaction with a remote server (a CPU-based systemand the like as understood in the art) As depicted in FIG. 9E, thedatabase unit 52 may comprise one or more memory addresses 52 a thatcomprise appropriate data that may be accessed by the CPU 50 a asdesired. Such access by the CPU 50 a may be both to dynamic and fixedmemory addresses located within the database unit 52 as is understood inthe art. Of course, there may be one or more database units 52accessible by the CPU 50 a.

Without limiting the disclosure, in some gaming jurisdictions and gamingestablishments, it may be possible that the wagering chips (see the chiprack 36 having wagering chips or “tokens”) that may comprise “smartcircuitry” coupled to a region located proximate to one or more playerlocations and the dealer location 10. In this manner, a gamingestablishment may account for all wagering chips using other aspects ofthe server 50 based on technologies such as radio frequencyidentification devices (RFID) (not shown) and the like as is known inthe art. Furthermore, other peripheral devices such as magnetic stripreaders, bar code readers, optical character readers, radiofrequencydevice readers and the like may be coupled to the server 50 to providemarketing information to a gaming establishment so that the gamingestablishment may follow up with one or more players when the playeruses the gaming establishment's recognized player identification device.Currently, in many gaming establishments such player identificationdevices often have the appearance of a credit card and may provide theplayer with various rewards and compensations to encourage game playwith the gaming establishment. Naturally, the identification devices maybe usable in one or more gaming establishments depending on the networkof gaming establishments participating in marketing programs offered bythe network of gaming establishments as is known in the art.

3. Mechanical Devices to Implement a Desired House Way Setting

FIG. 10 depicts an exploded front perspective view of a mechanicaldevice 60 (the “mechanical device”) configured to implement the first ofthe four house way sets for the Game described in paragraph 91 above, asan example of such a device as disclosed herein. It may be understoodthat the mechanical device may be differently configured to implementany desired house way setting for any card-based casino table game. Eventhough the mechanical device 60 as depicted in FIG. 10 has a wheel-shapeor substantially circular shape, it should be understood that thespecific shape has no bearing on the functionality of this device. Sinceplayers may request help from a dealer during play of a casino tablegame, players may also use the mechanical device 60 depending on agaming establishment's policies concerning same.

Referring further to FIG. 10, the mechanical device 60 comprises a firstoverlay member 62 having a first side 62 a (see also FIG. 10C and thedescription below) and a second side 62 b (details not shown), a base(or playing card arrangement) member 64 having a first side 64 a (seealso FIGS. 10D and 10E and the description below and a second side 64 b(not shown in FIG. 10, but see FIG. 10F and the description below), anda second overlay member 66 having a first side 66 a (see FIG. 10D andthe description below) and a second side 66 b (details not shown).Without limiting the disclosure, each of the first overlay member 62,the base member 64 and the second overlay member 66 have been depictedas being substantially circularly shaped. Each of the first overlaymember 62, the base member 64 and the second overlay member 66 have acorresponding opening 68 a, 68 b, 68 c (only the opening 68 a is shownin FIG. 10, but FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E and 10F show all theopenings) in the nature of a centrally-placed pivot hole. The openings68 a, 68 b, 68 c may be located at substantially a central region ofeach of the members 62, 64, 66, so that each of the members may bealigned in registration to one another when configured with a mechanicalfastener 70 (see further description below). This permits either of theoverlay members 62 or 66 to be rotated relative to the base member 64.Thus each of the members 62, 64, 66 may be pivotally coupled by means ofthe mechanical fastener. (pin, threaded nut and bolt, rivet and thelike) 70 to permit rotational alignment of the first overlay member 62over the first side 64 a of the member 62, and rotational alignment ofthe second overlay member 66 over the second side 64 b of the member 64.The positioning of the mechanical fastener 70 within the mechanicaldevice 60 is shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 10C and 10D (and withdotted lines in FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C and 10D).

Of course, in other aspects of the disclosure, it is understood that themechanical device 60 could be configured as two separate mechanicaldevices 60 a, 60 b (not shown) as desired. Thus, each of the mechanicaldevices 60 a, 60 b would have an overlay member and a base membertogether with a fastener associated with specific playing cardarrangements shown for each respective mechanical device.

FIG. 10A is a side elevation view of the mechanical device 60 whereinthe first overlay member 62 has a diameter less than that of the basemember 64. Furthermore, the second overlay member 66 is depicted ashaving a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of the base member64. Similarly, FIG. 10B is a side elevation view of an alternativeembodiment of the mechanical device 60 wherein the first overlay member62 has a diameter less than that of the base member 64 and the secondoverlay member 66 is depicted as having a diameter less than thediameter of the base member. Of course, without limiting the disclosure,it is understood that in this configuration (see FIG. 10B) the firstoverlay member 62 and the second overlay member 66 may havesubstantially equal diameters although they could be of differentdiameters as desired.

FIG. 10C is a front elevation view of a first side (or front side) 62 aof the overlay member 62 of the mechanical device 60 shown in FIG. 10(see description above). Naturally, a second side or opposite side orback side 62 b (not shown) of the overlay member 62 may have any desiredfeatures (not described or shown herein). As shown in FIG. 10C, an outerportion of a surface of the first side 62 a of the first overlay member62 has first, second and third substantially concentric first overlaymember ring segments 72 a, 72 b, 72 c radiating out from a substantiallycentrally located opening 68 a of the first overlay member. As depicteda portion of the surface of the first overlay member's 62 ring segment72 a is located substantially proximate to the periphery of the firstoverlay member 62. Similarly, a portion of the surface of the firstoverlay member's second ring segment 72 b is closer to a central portionof the surface of the side 62 a, and a side of the second ring segmentis adjacent to a side of the first ring segment 72 a. Similarly, a sideof the third ring segment 72 c is adjacent to an opposite side of thesecond ring segment 72 b and the third ring segment lies closer to thecentral opening 68 a of the first overlay member 62 than does the secondring segment. According to FIG. 10C, a portion of the first ring segment72 a has a first identifier 96 a depicted as “Two Pairs” located withina portion of the surface of the first ring segment. Similarly, a portionof the second ring segment 72 b has a second identifier 96 b depicted as“Full House” and the third ring segment 72 c has a third identifier 96 cdepicted as “Four-of-a-Kind.” Of course, it is understood that thisspecific ordering of the first overlay member's 62 ring segments 72 a,72 b, 72 c could be re-arranged as desired. Further, a portion of thefirst ring segment 72 a has a first arch-like opening (or first slit orfirst window) 82 a substantially defined by a portion of a side, anopposite side and two radial sides of the ring segment 72 a. In otherwords, the first window 82 a has a substantially arch-like segmentalshape (although it could be a different shape as desired). The secondring segment 72 b has a second window opening (or second slit) 82 b, andthe third concentric ring segment 72 c has a third window opening (orthird slit) 82 c. The three window openings 82 a, 82 b, 82 c incombination with portions of the base 64 would permit a user of themechanical device 60 to view one or more data fields 116 b, 116 c, 116 d(see FIG. 10E and the description below). These data fields 116 b, 116c, 116 d would guide how a dealer's or player's long side of the handshould be arranged with respect to the two cards remaining that willcomprise the short side of his hand as shown in FIG. 10E. As depictedwith reference to FIG. 10E, the three window openings 82 a, 82 b, 82 care in visual communication with one or more base member sectors 74 b,74 c, 74 d of the first side 64 a of the base member 64.

In operation, the user first refers to the ring segment window 82 a, 82b, 82 c that corresponds to his hand type, e.g., “Two Pairs,” “FullHouse” or “Four-of-a-Kind.” The user then rotates the overlay segment 62to align this window to the description of the two remaining singletoncards comprising the user's short side, which descriptions are displayedon the periphery of the base member 64, side 64 a. This will cause thewindow 82 a, 82 b or 82 c, as the case may be, to display a data field116 b, 116 c or 116 d printed on the base member 64, side 64 a. The datafield 116 b, 116 c or 116 d directs the user to the proper handling ofhis hand type as per the instant disclosure.

Turning now to other features shown in FIG. 10C, a portion of thesurface of the front side 64 a of the first overlay member 64 has one ormore instructions of a first instruction data set 62 c (shown in a box)that could indicate to a user how the first overlay member should bealigned relative to the front or first side 64 a of the base member 64.

To enable processing of more hand types, the reverse side of themechanical device may be configured similarly to the front side. In anembodiment, for example, the reverse side may be configured as shown inFIGS. 10D and 10F, where FIG. 101D depicts the overlay member and FIG.10F depicts the base member.

FIG. 10D depicts a front elevation view of a first side (or front side)66 a of the second overlay member 66 of the mechanical device 60 shownin FIG. 10 (see description above). Just as for the first overlay member62 a second (or back or opposite) side 66 b is not shown or described(see description above of the back side 62 b of the first overlaymember).

Referring now to other features of the second overlay member 66 depictedin FIG. 10D, it may be seen that a portion of the surface of the secondoverlay member's first side 66 a has first, second and thirdsubstantially concentric ring segments 76 a, 76 b, 76 c, with eachsegment radiating out from a substantially centrally located opening 68c of the second overlay member. As depicted in FIG. 10 a first portionof the second overlay ring segment. 76 a comprises a periphery of thesecond overlay member 66. Further, the second overlay ring segment 76 bis located closer to a central portion of the second overlay member 66between the first overlay ring segment 76 a and the third overlay ringsegment 76 c. A side of the second ring segment 76 b is adjacent to (orcomprises) an opposite side of the first ring segment 76 a. Similarly, aside of the third ring segment 76 c is adjacent to (or comprises) anopposite side of the second ring segment 76 b and the third ring segment76 b lies closer to the central opening 68 c of the second overlaymember 66 than does the second ring segment 76 b. According to FIG. 10D,a portion of the first ring segment 76 a has no identifier, but insteadmay be substantially transparent, translucent or merely decorative asdesired and may be described as the first ring segment's window opening(or sector) 86 a merely for ease of understanding. In contrast, thesecond ring segment 76 b has a first identifier 106 a depicted as“Straight or Flush with Two Pairs” located within a portion of thesurface (or sector) of the second ring segment 76 b. Similarly, aportion of the third ring segment 76 c has a second identifier 106 bdepicted as “Straight or Flush with One Pair” located in a sector of thethird ring segment. Of course, it is understood that this specificordering of the second overlay member's ring segments 76 a, 76 b, 76 ccould be re-arranged as desired. Further, a portion of the second ringsegment 76 c has a first window opening (or first slit or sector) 86 bsubstantially defined by a first side of an arc, a second side of an arcand two radial elements to provide an arcuate shape (although it couldbe a different shape as desire). The overlay member's third ring segment76 c has a second window opening (or second slit or sector) 86 c. Thesubstantially transparent first window opening 86 a of the ring segment76 a and both window openings 86 b, 86 c permit a user of the mechanicaldevice 60 to view one or more data fields (or addresses) 116 e, 116 f,116 g (see FIG. 10F and the description below). These features show howto best arrange a user's long side in view of the user's short sidecombinations illustrated in FIG. 10F as one or more data fields (oraddresses) of a second or opposite side 64 b of the base member 64. Asdepicted in FIG. 10D, the outer overlay ring segment 76 a and bothwindow openings 86 b, 86 c would be in visual communication with one ormore base member sectors 74 e, 74 f, 74 g of the second side 64 b of thebase member 64 of FIG. 10P.

With reference to the back side of the mechanical device 60, inoperation, the user first refers to the ring segment window 86 a, 86 b,86 c that corresponds to his hand type, e.g., “Straight or Flush WithTwo Pairs” or “Straight or Flush With One Pair.” The user then rotatesthe overlay segment 66 to align this window to the description of thetwo remaining singleton cards comprising the user's short side whenviewing the seven-card hand by its longest element (s) that give thestrongest possible two card short side, which descriptions are displayedon the periphery of the base member 64, side 64 b. This will cause thewindow 86 b or 86 c, as the case may be, to display a data field 116 for 116 g printed on the base member 64, side 64 b. The data field 116 for 116 g directs the user to the proper handling of his hand type as perthe instant disclosure.

Turning now to other features shown in FIG. 10r , a portion of thesurface of the front side 66 a of the second overlay member 66 has asecond instruction set 66 c (shown in a box) that indicates to theplayer or dealer how the second overlay member may be aligned relativeto the back or second side 64 b of the base member 64 of FIG. 10F.

FIG. 10E is a front elevation view of a first side 64 a of a playingcard arrangement (or base) member 64 of the mechanical device 60. Inpractice, the first side 64 a of the base member 64 may be configuredbeneath the first overlay member 62 (also described above with respectto FIG. 10C and also shown in FIG. 10). A portion of the surface of side64 a of the base member 64 comprises four substantially concentric ringsegments 74 a, 74 b, 74 c, 74 d with each of the ring segments having aplurality of ring sectors. As depicted in FIG. 10E, each of the ringsectors of the concentric ring segments 74 a, 74 b, 74 c, 74 d hascorresponding address information 116 a, 116 b, 116 c, 116 d used inconjunction with the window openings of the first overlay member(described above with respect to FIG. 10C). For instance, some of theaddress information 116 a may be “K-X, Q-J, Pair 2's or 3's,” etc.located within separate sectors of the ring segment 74 a. These refer toa user's short side arrangement when viewing the seven-card hand by itslongest element (s) that give the strongest possible short side. Forreference purposes FIG. 1.0E includes a legend of one embodiment of thebase member 64 to be used in combination with the first overlay member62 where the first overlay member's diameter would be less than that ofthe base member (see also FIG. 10B). Thus according to this legendentitled “Legend of Larger Wheel” marked sector as shown in FIG. 10E,this side 64 a of the base member 64 is depicted as the “Short Side”ring segment 74 a corresponding to the long hand side of the “Two Pairs”ring segment 74 b, the “Full House” ring segment 74 c and the “Four of aKind” ring segment 74 d. Consequently, a user may be guided as to how tooptimally arrange his seven-card hand into a short side and a long sideas described above with respect to the first overlay member 62 of FIG.10C

FIG. 10F is a front elevation view of a second or opposite side 64 b ofthe playing card arrangement member (base member) 64 of the mechanicaldevice 60 of FIG. 10. In practice, the second side 64 b of the basemember 64 may be configured beneath the second overlay member 66 asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 10D and also shown in FIG. 10. Thusthe side 64 b would be adjacent to the opposite side 66 b of the secondoverlay member 66 as shown in FIG. 10. A portion of the surface of side64 b of the base member 64 comprises three substantially concentric ringsegments 74 e, 74 f, 74 g with each of the ring segments having aplurality of ring sectors. As depicted in FIG. 10F, each of the oppositeside 64 b base member ring concentric ring segments 74 e, 74 f, 74 g hascorresponding address information 116 e, 116 f, 116 g used inconjunction with the window openings of the second overlay member 66 asdescribed above with respect to FIG. 10D. For instance, some of theaddress information 116 e may be “A-X, K-Q” and so on, located withinseparate sectors of the ring segment 74 e. Again as described earlierwith respect to FIG. 10E, for FIG. 10F these address information 116 esectors refer to a user's short side lookup key, which indicates how toset the user's long side when viewing the instructions through window 86b and 86 c. In one embodiment, the base member's second side 64 b may beinterfaced with the second overlay member 62 depicted in FIG. 10D andalso in FIG. 10 so that the second overlay member's diameter would beless than that of the base member 64 (see also FIG. 10B). In anotherembodiment, the base member's second side 64 b may be interfaced withthe second overlay member 62 depicted in FIG. 10D so that the secondoverlay member's diameter would be substantially equal to that of thebase member 64 (see also FIG. 10A). Thus as shown in FIG. 10F, thissecond side 64 b of the base member 64 is depicted as the ring segment74 e which corresponds to the short side lookup key. Further, theremaining ring segments 74 f (“Straight or Flush with Two Pairs”) and 74g (“Straight or Flush with One Pair”) correspond to the arrangement ofthe long side.

It may be readily understood that the mechanical device or itselectronic equivalent, as described above, may be configured for usewith any playing card-based casino game In essence, the mechanicaldevice and its electronic equivalent can summarize the optimal strategyfor a dealer or player based upon the cards dealt to the position inview of the statistics controlling the game in question. Because thecombinations of cards and controlling statistics comprise too muchinformation for the dealer or player to know by memory, the mechanicaldevice or electronic equivalent marshal this information and permit itsprocessing In real-time casino play.

FIG. 10G is a front elevation view of an electronic device comprisingthe mechanical device in electronic form. FIG. 10G depicts device 400such as a monitor, that may be viewed by a dealer and optionally by oneor more players. According to FIG. 10G, the display device 400communicates with an input/output (I/O) device 402 such as a mouse,keyboard, touch pad or the like, removable media associated with anytype of disk drive, including but not limited to CD's (compact disk),DVD's (digital video device), USB drives, floppy drives and the like asis known in the art or that may be introduced to permit communicationwith a server system 404 such as one or more computers and the likecoupled to a power supply (P/S) 406 to power up the server system. Theserver system 404 may be configured as a conventional computer systemhaving programmability capabilities as is well understood in the art. Ofcourse, the display device 400 may have adjustment members 408 to alterthe appearance of a display screen 410 of the display device and thedisplay device may be separately powered as for example with a plug 412and cable connector 414. It may be possible that the display device 400may be powered in other fashions as would be understood in the art. Oneexample might be by wireless means such as infrared or radio frequencywaves.

According to FIG. 10G, a portion of the display screen 410 depicts animage of the first overlay member 62 of FIG. 10C together with the firstside 64 a of the base member 64 of FIG. 10E. Furthermore, a portion ofthe display screen 410 depicts the second overlay member 66 of FIG. 10Dtogether with the second side 64 b of the base member 64 of FIG. 10E′.Naturally, the images displayed on the display screen 410 are merelyelectronic versions of the mechanical device 60. Furthermore, it isunderstood that the display device 400 could be configured as a displayscreen embedded into a portion of a gaming table. Without limiting thedisclosure, there may be one or more other display screen information416 viewable on the screen display 410 including number of hands played,time and date, reward and/or marketing information, serial numbers andthe like as is understood in the art. Without limiting the currentdisclosure, one example of such a display screen information (or label)416 might be the “House Way Selections” label depicted on a portion ofthe display screen 410 of the display device 400 as shown in FIG. 10G.

In another embodiment of the display device 400, FIG. 10H, instead ofshowing aspects of images of the mechanical device 60 as described withrespect to FIG. 10G above, another form of image may be displayed. Thus,as depicted on the display screen 410 of FIG. 10H in yet another frontelevation view of the display device 400, one or more display indexedpages 418 obtained from a vectored address field and memory locationfield located within software and hardware of one or more serverlocations (such as the server 404 of a house way playing cardarrangement 418 (or base member's specific sector) may he displayed on aportion of the screen display 410 through the input/output device 402.Naturally, this screen page (or display indexed page) 418 (numberedscreen 3 as a display screen label 420 in FIG. 10H) may be substantiallysimilar to one aligned sector of the mechanical device 60 of FIG. 10. Aswould be understood, and is known in the art, the display screen 410coupled to hardware and software (not shown, but understood in the art)through an input/output device 404 may also include one or more payouttables (not shown, but described herein with reference to the methods ofplaying the Game) and any other information of relevance to the Gamesuch as the name of the Game.

4. Gaming Devices Incorporating the Games

FIG. 11 depicts a front perspective view of a gaming machine 500configured to play the Game according to another embodiment of theinvention. Thus, the gaming machine 500 comprises at least one displayscreen 502 that identifies the Game to the player, and may also displayproprietary markings, marketing information and the like (not shown butunderstood in the art) as desired. Further, the gaming machine 500 maycomprise a secondary display screen 504 that shows a player certainaspects of the Game, including playing cards that have been dealtarranged into a long side 506 and a short side 508 and credits 522, aswell as other player-relevant information to make wagers 524 and/orprocess the playing cards 510. Without limiting the disclosure, othersecondary display screen information may also be shown to the player byuse of one or more buttons 510 or other pointing devices (not shown)that permit manipulation of the secondary display screen, such as touchscreen devices programmed into the gaming machine 500 to respond tocertain player actions (touching the screen with the player's finger orwith a pointing device as is known in the art). Additionally, the gamingmachine 500 may include audio features provided by an audio source (notshown) and one or more speakers 520 and means for receiving and payingout one or more credits through cash receptor 514 or voucher(ticket-in/ticket-out) receptor 512, and cash disburser 516 or voucherdisburser 512, as is known in the art or may become known in the future,such as credit card processing receptor 518. This may also includeprogrammable radio frequency identification devices (RFID) which havenot been shown in FIG. 10H or any other means of transferring “currency”from the player to the gaming establishment or vice versa, as may bedisclosed in the future. Additionally, the gaming machine 500 may have asignaling device 522 to visually alert gaming employees of the gamingestablishment that the gaming machine has malfunctioned or that otherservices may be desired by the player. Without limiting the disclosure,the gaming machine may form part of a network of gaming machines asdesired and known in the art.

FIG. 1A depicts a schematic diagram of some inner components 600 of thegaming machine 500 configured with one or more GAMES in a verysimplified manner. Essentially, and without limiting the disclosure, theschematic diagram of inner components 600 generally depicts certainhardware components such as a primary display device board or chip 604(video display) and a secondary display device board or chip (secondaryvideo display) 602 in communication with other boards or chips and thelike of a server system 608. Additionally one or more peripherals 606may be in communication with the server system 608. The server system608 may include one or more processors 610 such as one or more centralprocessing units as is known in the computer art, one or moreaddressable memory units 612 that may be randomly accessible in adynamic or a fixed fashion as desired, and means for communicatingbetween the peripherals 606, the memory units 612 and the processors 610through one or more buses 614 comprising wires and the like as is knownin the art. Software components may be associated with certain sectionsof the gaming machine's schematic diagram 600, and may be programmedwith any version of the Game into one or more memory chips (not shown)of the server system 608 or, alternatively, downloaded through variousperipherals 606 (not shown) such as disk drives, USB drives, floppydrives, tape drives, paper tape drives and the like as are known in theart. Direct communication through an internet or an intranet specific tothe gaming establishment download would be another way to program thegaming machine 500 using one or more peripherals 606 such as routers(not shown) and other known communication means whether hard-wired orwirelessly, such as through a server network, as desired, Such downloadscould also be secured in any desirable fashion as is known in the art ofencryption. Thus, information transfer could readily be achieved.Without limiting the disclosure, the elements shown in FIG. 11A may beapplicable to any simple gaming device such as a hand-held wirelesstelephone, a computer and the like as is known in the art, so that theGame can be offered through communication devices including wirelessmobile devices such as telephones, for-profit gaming devices,for-entertainment gaming devices or for-learning gaming devices as wouldbe desired and known in the art.

5. Networking and Tournament Play

FIG. 12A depicts a network system 800 comprising one or more Gameassemblies 804 a, 804 b, 804 c in communication with at least one server802. Each Game assembly 804 a, 804 b, 804 c comprises one or more gamingtables 806 (one only shown per Game assembly) having at least oneversion of the Game configured for tournament play according to anotherembodiment of the invention. Each Game assembly 804 a, 804 b, 804 c alsohas at least one network interface 808 in communication with each localgaming table 806. As depicted in FIG. 12A, for each; Game assembly 804a, 804 b, 804 c, a communication channel 810 couples the gaming table806 to the network interface 808 and the network interface communicateswith the server 802. Additionally, a camera 812 may monitor playingaction as a matter of security and possibly to broadcast each Game ofeach Game assembly 804 a, 804 b, 804 c. Thus in a tournament play, theserver 802 may be in communication with one or more remote displays (notshown) and could, for example, be used to either note when securitybreaches occur to alert gaming staff about such breaches of security,thereby obviating the need for a supervisor at each Game assembly 804 a,804 b, 804 c.

Further, the one or more remote displays could be configured as apay-per-view event on a television network or as a general televisionbroadcast. As is understood, the tournament play arrangement describedabove could be configured in any kind of entertainment or educationalenvironment such as a game offered between computer players.

FIG. 12B depicts a schematic diagram for a Game system 900 permittingplay of the Game remotely within a gaming establishment according toanother embodiment of the invention. As depicted in FIG. 12B, the Gamesystem 900 comprises a point-of-sale system (POS system) 902 which wouldbe somewhat similar to conventional POS systems as used in therestaurant and other service industries that deal with the public andneed to keep track of client orders plus keep track of financial mattersin a secure environment. This substantially describes the environment ofmany gaming establishments that have elements of being banks and also ofbeing service providers while offering opportunities to customers.

Turning back to FIG. 12B, as configured for a gaming establishment, thePOS system 902 may comprise a peer-to-peer server. 910 located in abooth recognizable by players in a gaming establishment. Thepeer-to-peer server 910 may be in communication with a POS interface 912to process (POS order processing 914) and send and receive coded(encrypted) remote instructions using one or more routers (not shown) asunderstood in the art. The POS interface 912 may be in furthercommunication with a docking station 916, where hand-held gaming devices(not shown) might be charged and reprogrammed as desired throughsoftware located in the peer-to-peer server 910 through the POSinterface 912. Such reprogramming may be accomplished merely bydownloading information into SIMS located within the hand-held devicesor through flash reprogramming of firmware located in the hand-helddevices as is understood in the computer art. Communication to one ormore gaming establishment locations 904, 906, 908 (only three shown) maybe accomplished wirelessly using one or more wireless antennae 920located in both the POS system and, of course, associated with thehand-held devices or other booths located throughout the gamingestablishment. Since such communication has many of the same features ascell phones, the wireless communication system being used may form partof an intranet configured and secured by the gaming establishment. Ofcourse, many more than only three gaming establishment locations couldeasily be associated with the POS system 902. In yet another aspect,communications may be by way of cable terminals (hard-wired) via a wireinterface 922 which forms a portion of the POS system 902.

Looking further at FIG. 12B it may be seen that the POS system 902 maycommunicate with either an authorized peer-to-peer wireless interface924 and a location's hard-wired terminals at the first gamingestablishment location 904. Alternatively, for the secondary gamingestablishment location 906, there may be a wireless peer-to-peer devicebooth 926 where players could receive hand-held devices and/or play theGame as desired. Further, for the tertiary (or third) gamingestablishment location 908 there may be a wireless peer-to-peer devicebooth 928 where players could receive hand-held devices and/or play theGame as desired as described for the secondary gaming establishmentlocation 906 above. However, the tertiary (or third) gamingestablishment location 908 may also provide a wired peer-to-peer devicebooth 930 having one or more secure terminals in communication with thePOS system 902, as would be understood in the art of securecommunication devices associated with hard-wired secure communications.

The Game disclosed herein may be offered in an Internet-style context.This could be offered in either a wagering or non-wagering environmentas desired using networked conferencing through web cameras linked tofast personal computers or other mobile communication devices on a livebasis using streaming video. In another embodiment, this could beoffered in a wagering or non-wagering context as desired using networkedconferencing through virtual representations of the house and playersusing pop-up images, streaming video or other video technologies asknown in the existing art or as shall become known in the future. TheGame may be offered over the Internet in secure transactions by way ofdigital rights management software. As described herein, it may bereadily appreciated that those features regarding tournament play (seeabove) using servers and video devices coupled to gaming table layoutsmay be readily adapted to such Internet activity where players might usethe equivalent of the POS system described above on their own computersor mobile communication devices to interface with a hosting siteoffering the Game. Without limiting the disclosure, the computers ormobile communication devices may be securely interfaced with one anotherand a house (hosting web-site) through secure Internet protocols andconnections such as VPN (virtual private networks) to participate in oneor more versions of the Game. In fact, because of the ability to performefficient networked conferencing, players could readily play the Gamewhile remaining anonymous, and with the hosting website performing thefunction of the dealer/banker representing a gaming establishmentoffering the Game as desired. Naturally, players participating in awager-driven version of the Game would provide funding to participate.Such player funding could be represented as credit banks, and payoutswould be made back to winning players through their credit banks. Suchfinancial activities could be displayed to players as desired andincorporated in one or more appropriate secured software programsinterfacing with players' displays and input/output terminals in amanner similar to the activities described earlier (see above).

Without limiting the disclosure, the Game may be configured for play inmultiple forms and media including, but not limited to, single-playerslot video machines, multi-player slot video machines, electronic gamesand devices, mobile telephone devices, lottery terminals, software aswell as in-flight, home, and Internet entertainment. In addition, theGame can be readily implemented in any computer program peripheral(e.g., floppy disk, compact disc (CD), SIM card, USB device, etc.)comprising a computer readable medium having control logic located onone or more readable chips recorded therein to implement the featuresherein as described in relation to the multiple embodiments of the Game.As depicted above, the control logic may be loaded into the memory of acomputer and executed by one or more central processing units (CPU) toperform one or more operational steps embodied in these products withclear advantages to one or more entities offering one or more versionsof the Game.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described withreference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that the foregoing and other changes in formand details may be made therein without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A method of playing a modified pai gow poker gamecomprising the steps of: providing an electronic shuffling systemcomprising an electronic shuffling device configured to perform ashuffling operation, a display device coupled to the electronicshuffling device, and a detector; responsive to receiving a wager,actuate the electronic shuffling system to generate a random card handselected from the group of card hands consisting of five cards, sixcards, seven cards and eight cards from the standard poker card deck ofphysical playing cards for each of the one or more players and a dealer;identifying each card in the random card hands for each of the one ormore players and the dealer using the detector; evaluating a dealer'scard hand to determine whether said dealer's card hand comprises adealer's pai gow hand having no poker elements other than the value ofindividual singleton cards; identifying a highest value card of saiddealer's pai gow hand; comparing the highest value card of the dealer'scard hand with a push condition to determine if the push condition issatisfied, the push condition comprising the highest value card of thedealer's card hand being the same value as a preselected card value,wherein the preselected card value is selected from the group of singlecards consisting of ace, king, queen, jack, ten and nine; and responsiveto the push condition being satisfied settling said round of play as apush, whereby the wager received is neither won nor lost.
 24. The methodaccording to claim 23, further comprising the steps of: shuffling thestandard poker card deck using the electronic shuffling device;determining by a shuffle verifier that the shuffling was a legitimateshuffling operation; and identifying the legitimate shuffling operationon the display device.
 25. The method according to claim 23, whereinsaid preselected card value comprises at least one card of a contiguousrange of cards selected from the group consisting of ace or lower, kingor lower, queen or lower, jack or lower and ten or lower.
 26. The methodaccording to claim 23, wherein said preselected card value comprises atleast one card of a non-contiguous combination of cards selected fromthe group of cards consisting of ace or queen, ace or jack, ace or ten,ace or nine, king or jack, king or ten, king or nine, queen or ten,queen or nine, jack or nine, jack or eight, ace or queen or jack, ace orqueen or ten, ace or jack or ten, ace or jack or nine, ace or ten ornine, ace or ten or eight, ace or nine or seven, king or jack or ten,king or jack or nine, king or ten or nine, king or ten or eight, king ornine or seven, queen or ten or nine, queen or ten or eight, queen ornine or eight, queen or nine or seven, jack or nine or eight, jack ornine or seven, and jack or eight or seven.
 27. The method according toclaim 23, wherein said preselected card value comprises at least onecard of a non-contiguous combination of single cards and a contiguousrange of cards selected from the group of cards consisting of ace orqueen or jack or lower, ace or jack or ten or lower, ace or ten or nineor lower, king or jack or ten or lower, king or ten or nine or lower,queen or ten or nine or lower, and jack or nine or eight or lower. 28.The method according to claim 23, wherein said player input is receivedthrough one or more player interfaces displayed on one or morecommunication devices, wherein the one or more communication devices areremote from the electronic shuffling system
 29. The method according toclaim 23 wherein each of a player's card hand and a dealer's card handcomprises at least one of the following: eight playing cards subdividedinto a five-card long side and a three-card short side, seven playingcards subdivided into a five-card long side and a two-card short side,six playing cards subdivided into a four-card long side and a two-cardshort side, six playing cards subdivided into a three-card long side anda three-card short side, and five playing cards subdivided into athree-card long side and a two-card short side.
 30. The method accordingto claim 24, further comprising the step of verifying, using thedetector, that the standard poker card deck has been placed in thedeck-receiving device.
 31. A system for providing a modified pai gowpoker game comprising: an electronic shuffling system comprising anelectronic shuffling device configured to perform a shuffling operationand a detector, wherein the shuffling system is configured to: shufflethe standard poker card deck using the electronic shuffling device;distribute a random card hand of physical playing cards from a standardpoker card deck to form a player's hand and a dealer's hand in the roundof play; identify each dealt card using the card reading detector;determine if the dealer's hand comprises a dealer's pai gow hand,wherein a dealer's pai gow hand is a hand of cards having no pokerranking other than the value of an individual singleton card; identify acard having the highest ranking among the cards forming the dealer'shand responsive to the dealer's hand being a dealer's pai gow hand;compare the highest ranked card of the dealer's hand with a preselectedcard rank; and settle the round of play if the highest ranked card ofthe dealer's hand is of the same rank as the preselected card rank,wherein the entire wager is neither won nor lost, wherein settling theround of play is facilitated by the at least one data processing devicein communication with the communication network.
 32. The systemaccording to claim 31, wherein the player's hand and dealer's hand eachcomprise at least seven cards.
 33. The system according to claim 31,wherein the preselected card rank is a card of a rank of nine orgreater.
 34. The system according to claim 31, further comprising thestep of verifying, using the detector, that the standard poker card deckhas been placed in the deck-receiving device.